huxwhukwamł (Mask)

Worn by Hamats!a dancer.

Made for Dick Hawkins.

Represents Hukxhukw of Heaven, huxhugwaxtawe', cannibal at the north end of the world.

Carved, wooden, Hokhokw bird mask with a long beak and circular cutout nostrils. The beak is hinged with pieces of leather on either side, nailed to the jaw. The beak and nostrils are painted black with orange edging. There are five orange U-forms carved at the back of the beak running towards the nostril; in front of nostril is an orange, light orange and white U-form. Part of the nostril extends upward creating an ovoid shaped projection on top of the beak. The eyes are white, outlined in black on a white, ovoid shaped background with orange U-forms; brow is black. Attached to the top of the head are short strips of cedar bark creating a fringe. Tied to the sides with twine are small bundles of cedar; longer strips are attached to the bottom rim and hang down to cover the body of the wearer. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of an attached twine cord that assisted the beak in opening and shutting. The mask is painted black, orange and white with Northwest Coast stylized designs.