The Kwakwaka’wakw culture, based in the north of Vancouver Island and on
the mainland of southwest British Columbia, traditionally divides its
year into ceremonial months and non-ceremonial months. The Tsetseka, or
ceremonial season, begins in the late autumn and is marked by feasting
and the activation of ancient dancing societies. There are four main
societies in Kwakwaka’wakw culture: the Winalagilis, the Atlakim, the
Dluwalakha (or Klasila), and the Hamat’sa.
The secretive Hamat’sa
society and its dancing rituals are based around the initiations of a
novice dancer. The ceremonial winter Hamat’sa dance often lasts for
several days and contains a large cast of characters who educate,
terrify and challenge the nominated novice. While there are numerous
representational spirits and creatures involved in this dancing
ceremony, the primary figures are those of birds who inhabit the
Sky-World and interact with human life below. These birds are guided by
the spirit Baxbaxwalanuksiwe ("Man-Eater at the North End of the World")
and include the Hamat’sa Raven, the Hokhokw, and the Crooked Beak.
This
listing is for all three masks. Please note that the masks are made to order and will differ slightly from the images in the listing. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. The Hamat'sa Raven measures 16" x 21" x
6" and the Hokhokw measures 20" x 29" x 6" and the Crooked Beak
measures 21 1/2" x 22 x 6". They have been created by Kwakwaka'wakw
artist and shop member Ross Henderson.
Currently, Ross resides in Fort Rupert, BC. As a teenager he was influenced by his brother, Jonathan Henderson. He works with Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Trevor Hunt, and has been seriously carving since 2002. In 2015, Ross was commissioned through Lattimer Gallery to create a special double-sided paddle to commemorate Rocky Mountaineer Train Tours’ 25th Anniversary. He works in a traditional Kwakwaka'wakw style, and enjoys carving masks, Hamat'sa masks, and paddles.
"Hamat'sa mask", "Alert Bay", "Beau Dick"