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| mask
CD95-73
S86-1742 | |
| | Artifact Number | VII-EE-33 | | | Current Cultural Affiliations | Heiltsuk
| | | All Affiliations | Heiltsuk (culture)
Bella Bella (culture)
Northwest Coast (culture)
| | | Category | 08: communication artifacts
| | | Sub-category | H060: ceremonial artifact
| | | Place of Origin | Country - Canada, Province - British Columbia
| | | Measurements | Height 15.3 cm, Length 25.5 cm, Width 30.5 cm | | | Latest Possible Date | 1923 c | | | Caption | Mask of a supernatural being
| | Additional Information | During traditional winter ceremonies, chosen people are initiated by supernatural beings. Each of these beings reveals itself in characteristic dances, songs, cries and behaviour acted out by the new initiate. The wolf power sought by the Nootka people is relatively mild, compared with the frenzy characterizing the cannibal bird-monster of the Kwakiutl people, or the Dog-eater spirit of northern tribes. But such a meeting with the non-human world is always a terrifying experience. Only high ranking and experienced masters can tame the most destructive powers, change them to a good use, and restore novices back from this world to a new life. During this time the whole village becomes a sacred place, and the community life is controlled by the initiates. Masked beings representing all the inhabitants of the sky, the sea, and the land participate in the ceremonies that precede and follow the sacred dances. Excerpt from exhibition text: The Children of the Raven, 1975 to 1986.
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S82-39 | |
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S85-3315 | |
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S88-1656 | |
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CD95-73
S86-1743 |
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