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Native American, North America, Canada, Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) tribe, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fine hand-carved mask of a raven head, a venerated totemic bird, trickster spirit, and clan emblem of many First Nations people. The face presents huge ovoid eyes surrounded by thick red lids that are slightly recessed below a black brow. The tapered beak has a pointed tip with slender, stylized nostrils near the top. Animal hide fringe surrounds the periphery and forms a head strap, allowing the piece to be worn, while long strands of woven raffia fall down from the back of the mask. These strands would have served to disguise the dancer who wore the mask during a ceremony. The lower portion of the beak is attached via metal wire and string, causing it to flap about when moved and adding movement and sound while dancing. Size: 31" L x 8" W x 6.8" H (78.7 cm x 20.3 cm x 17.3 cm)

"Cannibal Raven" alludes to the Hamatsa Dance Society bird masks of the Kwakwaka’wakw people; Crooked Beak, Huk-huk and Raven. Members of the Hamatsa Dance Society dance these three masks during the initiation ceremony of new Hamatsa Society members. This particular ceremony dramatizes the struggle of good and evil forces for the young initiate’s soul. The giant Hamatsa birds are the earthly representatives of Baxwbakwalanuxwsiwe’, the colossal cannibal spirit in the sky world. The enormous birds try to lure the young person into the dark realm, while the family and tribe work tirelessly to liberate the forces of evil from the young person’s soul. When the initiation ceremony concludes (which can take several days), the forces of good, with any luck, have prevailed and the young initiate is ready to be a productive, positive contributing member to the Hamatsa society and the tribe.

Provenance: private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection, acquired from an online dealer's auction, originally acquired in British Columbia, Canada

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#178563

Some minor chipping and wear to tip of beak and fraying to raffia and animal hide. Some light abrasions in areas and stable fissures to wood, but otherwise, intact and excellent with great pigments. Beak still opens and closes.