Sxwayxwey Mask

About this object

History of use

Used in cleansing ceremonies: during marriage, after a death, or for the bestowing of a name.

Iconographic meaning

This mask is of the type described as Sawbill-face by Wayne Suttles in his 1982 article on the Halkomelem Sxwayxwey.

Physical description

Sawbill-face mask with protruding cylindrical eyes. Two bird's heads on top of face. A third bird's head forms the nose. Unpainted.