1. Non- Western Objects: Transformation Mask [tatltatlumt] Grace Lin 10.19.2015

2. Location: Northwest coast of Canada along Pacific Ocean

3. Kwakwaka'wakw speaking nations are Pacific northwest indigenous people  fish and gather as primary food sources  cedar forests in region used to make  homes  canoes  totems  clothing and armor  utensils and tools w/ seashell and stone  ritual objects Context

4. History oral history: ancestors came in animal form(s), arrived at given spot, then discarded animal appearance and became human. known for potlatch ceremonies:  material goods accumulate in summer  trade and share during winter  hosted by numaym [House]  interconnected extended family units  founder’s animal mask passed down  leader + living incarnation wealth + status defined by how much to give away

5. Formal Qualities Transformation Mask Canadian Northwestern Coast Kwakwaka’wakw Late 1800s CE. Wood, Paint, String. Observations deeply undercut curvilinear depressions exaggerated beak and nostrils defined beak and eyes with paint realistic features of hair and beak closed: looks like eagle/crow human face appears on inside depicts dual nature of ancestors

6. Details Subject Matter Kwakwaka’wakw art: ‘kenning’, fills visual void with motifs and figures totems characteristic bold cuts, realism, emphatic paint masks textiles jewelry carvings Function Masks are important for portrayal of characters in dance ceremonies, spirit enters dancers.

7. Cross Cultural Similar to the Lion headed man of Hohlenstein: both mask and figurine thought to allow user to assume or capture essence of spirit/animal.