Mask

19th century; Kwakiutl, southern British Columbia; Wood, copper, human hair, paint; height 29 cm (11 3/8 in.); Founders Society Purchase, Henry Ford II Fund; 80.47

A Kwakiutl clan chief wore this mask when greeting rival chiefs invited for a feast and potlatch. It reminded the guests of their host's great riches and their indebtedness to his generosity. This Kwakiutl mask represents a mythic ogress of the forest. Dz'onokwa, who skulked through villages at night to steal children to eat. She was also the "master of wealth," represented by the copper of her eyebrows, and so an appropriate symbol for the ceremonial feast.

JPEG, 45K