kusyut qax (Mask)

According to Andy Schooner this is called "qax" and was used in a "light-hearted dance" (1972).

Purchased from Davenport Clayton in 1959. Collected by his parents while operating a store in Bella Coola between 1890 and 1910.

Mostly unpainted carved wooden mask. Large rabbit-like ears. Black paint on mouth and on raised edging around eyes. Two drilled holes at sides. Mask originally had cracked rabbit skin glued to head and ears (see Condition section).