american indian art

Galokwudzuwis mask, George Walkus

Wood carving is a highly developed art among Northwest Coast tribes, including the Kwakiutl, whose name for themselves is Kwakwaka’wakw.

This mask represents a bird-monster called Galokwudzuwis, or “Crooked Beak,” and is worn by a member of the Hamatsa Society. Above the “crooked beak” is the head of a crane, while two raven heads project from the back of the mask.

Although the photograph shows the mask’s graceful lines and bold, traditional colors of red, white, and black, it doesn’t show the complex moving parts that are worked by pulling a series of strings to create sound and movement during the dance.

Oceanic Art