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6 Art Masks: Kwakwaka'wakw

Resources

Kwakiutl history
Archaeological evidence shows habitation in the Kwak’wala-speaking area for at least 8,000 years.
History and culture
Their lifestyle was based primarily on fishing, with the men also engaging in hunting, and the women gathering wild fruits and berries.

Hamatsa dance
Of all the dances of the Kwakwaka’wakw, the Hamat´sa is considered to be the most important.
Religion and Culture
The most intensely developed arts were those of sculpture, painting, dance, theater, and oratory.

Hamatsa Mask
The meaning and materials used to create a Hamatsa mask
Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Ceremonial Masks
The masks of the Kwakwaka’wakw were owned by certain individuals who alone had the right to wear them.
Transformation Masks
Northwest Coast transformation masks manifest transformation, usually an animal changing into a mythical being or one animal becoming another.

Ebook: Art of the NW Indian
PDF file looking at the general design of NW coastal indian art

Transformation Masks

Kwakiutl masks