Lot 127B
Native American, Pacific Northwest, Canada / First Nations, Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth culture, ca. mid-20th century CE. A dramatic, hand-carved wooden mask representing the bird-monster called galukw'amhl or "Crooked Beak of Heaven," and worn by a member of the Hamat'sa Society. This elaborate example features the prominent head of a crane above crooked beak with 2 raven heads projecting from inside the crane's mouth and on the opposite side. Beneath Crooked Beak is a fifth head of a bird, also with a curved beak. Long strands of human hair extend from the top of the mask while a series of ropes function to open and close the beaks, creating sound and movement during the dance. Masks like this one are worn during the dances of the Hamat'sa society, the highest ranking Kwakwaka'wakw dancing society. Size: 8.5" L x 43" W x 22.5" H (21.6 cm x 109.2 cm x 57.2 cm); 31" H (78.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Crooked Beak, also known as the Cannibal Spirit, is an integral character in the Hamat'sa winter dances and is worn by members during the initiation ceremony. The dance revolves around a young initiate to the society who is kidnapped and taken into the woods by the Cannibal Spirit. The boy, on the verge of manhood, becomes wild and needs a series of songs and dances to tame him. The entire dance tells the story of his capture and return to the human world. As winter dances are highly dramatic and performed inside dimly lit structures around a central fire, the artist has used a variety of techniques to enhance the theatrical effect of the mask. For example, the colors had to be visible in dim lighting, so the artist painted white around the eyes to reflect the light from the fire. Rhythmic designs draw the viewer's eyes to certain parts of the mask - the characteristic curve of the Crooked Beak's beak, the prominent nostrils, and the beaks of the 4 other birds - and bring these areas to life. The long strands of human hair sways with the dancer as he crouches, jumps, and moves throughout the room. Sound is crucial to the drama of the mask's appearance. Hidden inside is a series of strings that the dancer uses to open and close the beaks, creating a loud clapping noise. The movement and sound created by the beaks add surprise and drama to the ritual, emphasizing the voracious nature of the spirit. Note how each bird's mouth is outlined in red, making the movement of the beaks more striking and suggesting that they are perhaps soaked in blood from indulging in cannibalism.
Cf. Denver Art Museum, 1948.229.
Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex-Leon LaFortune estate, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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#180502
- Condition: Some stable hairline fissures to wood, as well as a few minor nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments. Two top bird heads are detachable.
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