sisawk ts'lkt sinaaxwmiixw (Mask)

Masks are dramatic props used in the 2 Bella Coola dance societies. To become a society initiate or 'sisoak' a person was initiated, often at a potlatch. At initiation, a masked figure embodying the person's crest or part of family history provided the initiate with a mask. This mask was guarded carefully during his/her lifetime and was worn on important occasions, such as potlatches and funerals. If the family gave a dramatic performance of the person's return after death, the mask would also be used. A mask could be willed, but the design would be altered. Since they were kept for life, the better made masks, including bird masks, maybe 'sisoak' masks (Stott). According to Stott, eagle masks were only used in 'sisoak' dances.

ceremonial; dancing

Eagle is a mythological crest with important social and religious significance. The supreme deity at the beginning of time, owned bird and animal cloaks representing raven, eagle, grizzly, etc. He created people and allowed each to choose a cloak each then donned. They were then transformed and sent to earth where they took off the cloaks and resumed human shape. Those descended from such an ancestor use the particular cloak as their emblem.

Blue-grey eagle's head mask with white, curved upper beak fitting over a white straight lower beak, which is hinged by 2 screws. Pupils are circles of glass over metal ? within white rounded, eye form on blue-grey orb. The right pupil is held, above and below, with 2 nails; left by 3 wooden pegs, 2 above and one below. Curved black brows, edged in red and yellow, are 2 parallel raised bands on top of the head. Red nostrils, edged in white, are carved semi-circles midway along upper beak. Lips are red painted edges of beak; upper lip is edged in yellow. A red split-u occurs on each side of lower beak and over each brow; red and yellow ones on each cheek. Seven holes edge the neck. Two brackets inside the mask may have manipulated the hinged beak. There is a crack on the left upper beak and a white residue in side the mask.