10. Mosquito Mask

Kwakwaka'wakw
Red Cedar, Cedar Bark, Horse Hair
30" x 12" x 14"

Legend tells of four brothers, sons of a powerful chief, who killed the Great Cannibal Spirit from the North End of the World, Baxbakwalanuxsiwe. In honour of their success, the brothers were bestowed the right to dance the first Hamatsa, or Cannibal, dance. Their father burned the Cannibal and blew ashes into the fire, announcing that these ashes would transform into mosquitoes. These biting insects serve as a reminder that the cannibal spirit is still alive and will always exist to initiate new members into the powerful Hamatsa society.