Sxwayxwey Figure
About this object
Narrative
This figure wearing a Sxwayxwey mask was likely made for sale, or it may have been made as a gift to Norman Mackenzie while he was president of UBC? In the 1960s, after the repeal of the Potlatch Law, Sxwayxwey masks were publically worn and displayed. However, they have since been removed from public view due to their powerful and spiritual nature.
Physical description
Carved wooden human-like standing figure. Dressed in a two sectioned green leather shirt attached by a leather thong waistband. Short cape of the same material also attached. Figure wears a carved wooden sxwayxwey mask painted in red, green, white, black, yellow, and blue. Red and green feathers and a plastic branch decorate the top of the mask. Figure holds a plastic branch in one hand and a wire with three wooden clappers (representing shells) in the other. Figure stands on a flat wooden base.
Materials
Subjects
Date Made
Before 1974
Date Acquired
Mar 1974
How Acquired
Donated
Measurements
Overall: 37.8 x 19.1 cm
Object Number
A2353