U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

View of north side of the Potlatch Gallery, ceremonial regalia mounted along the wall to the right of the viewer. Image shows a section of the north side of the Potlatch Gallery in which a speaker’s staff, a dzunakwa mask, four mourning masks and two copper shields are displayed. Image of a corner of the Potlatch Gallery close to the entrance View of the entrance wall at the east end of the Potlatch Gallery.

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Gwa’yam – Humpback or Grey Whale

Still photograph of Gwa'yam – humpback or grey whale against black background

When the Gwa’yam is shown in the Big House it can represent a whale or an Imas or ancestor. Traditionally, the Kwakwaka’wakw used the baleen from the Gwa’yam for headdresses. Look for the blue raven headdress in this gallery – it has baleen tied to the top rim.

Owner: Alex Currie (Alex owns two whales)

Owner: Yekutłikalas, Sam Charlie, Mamalilikala (Village Island)

Gwa’yam

A large whale mask, black green and white painted markings with articulating mouth, fins and tail.
A large Maxinuxw or killer whale mask, numerous hinged parts, dorsal fins, flipper and tail, black red and white markings, pale green beak which projects over the upper jaw.
A large whale mask, black green and white painted markings with articulating mouth, fins and tail.