Masks

Eagle Mask
Ernie Chester (Nuu-chah-nulth)

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is ...

Eagle is one of the most important beings in the art and mythology of the Northwest Coast. It is respected for its intel­ligence and power, as well as its extraordinary vision, in both the literal and figurative senses. Eagles in myth are, likewise, usu­ally noble characters. Eagle is revered as a powerful hunter. Groups of mythical Eagles may gather for co-operative whale hunting expeditions, since, unlike the giant Thunderbird, Eagle is not strong enough to hunt whales alone. Eagle may ofte...

Owl Mask
Irvin Sparrow (Salish)

Owls are believed to have great supernatural powers on the Northwest Coast and the White Owl is a...

Owls are believed to have great supernatural powers on the Northwest Coast and the White Owl is a family crest in some regions. Owl is associated with wisdom, foreknowledge, and perception, and is strongly associated with the spirit world. Owls have been known to be both Witches in disguise as well as the aids of Shaman in the pursuit of good. Owl can be identified by large, round eyes, sharp talons, a short hooked beak that comes to a V, and pointed ears, which may be prominent to emphasize ...

Sun Mask
Dick Joseph (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Sun is generally a symbol of life and creative power. Usually male, Sun is often depicted as a po...

Sun is generally a symbol of life and creative power. Usually male, Sun is often depicted as a powerful supernatural chief. Sun is usually depicted with a rounded humanlike face surrounded by long rays, sometimes shells or copper is used to emphasize brightness.

Owl Mask
Charlie Johnson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Owls are believed to have great supernatural powers on the Northwest Coast and the White Owl is a...

Owls are believed to have great supernatural powers on the Northwest Coast and the White Owl is a family crest in some regions. Owl is associated with wisdom, foreknowledge, and perception, and is strongly associated with the spirit world. Owls have been known to be both Witches in disguise as well as the aids of Shaman in the pursuit of good. Owl can be identified by large, round eyes, sharp talons, a short hooked beak that comes to a V, and pointed ears, which may be prominent to emphasize ...

Hawk Mask
Charlie Johnson (Kwakwaka'wakw)

Hawk is often associated with the Sun, and is revered for its superior vision and skill in huntin...

Hawk is often associated with the Sun, and is revered for its superior vision and skill in hunting. In mythology, this bird is personified as the transformation beings Hawk Man and Hawk Woman.

Bear Mask
Reg Davidson (Haida)

Bear is a dominant crest symbol. Bears are closely related to humans especially when standing on ...

Bear is a dominant crest symbol. Bears are closely related to humans especially when standing on their hind legs, bridging the human and non-human realms. Their strength and intelligence are universally respected and they are considered to be helping spirits of warriors. Bear is often depicted with a short snout, round paws, stubby tail and bared teeth.

Moon Mask
Trace Yeomans (Haida)

Edition 6/12Mounted on a wood surround. 15" diam including the backing.Moon is associated with pe...

Edition 6/12Mounted on a wood surround. 15" diam including the backing.Moon is associated with peace and transformation and is also widely regarded as a protector and guardian spirit. In some stories, the Moon originated as a chip of the Sun, which Raven broke into pieces. Moon is often depicted with humanoid features and can sometimes be distinguished from the Sun by a labret in its bottom lip indicating female nobility.

Geekumhl Mask
Russell Smith (Kwakwaka'wakw)