The Kwakiutl and Hamatsa The Pacific Northwest Coast is arguably one of the most enchanting corners of the world, with its breathtaking views, rich native culture, and thrilling works of art. One group of inhabitants called the Kwakiutl are masters of their arts, creating some of the largest and most elaborate masks of the area. These masks were not simply pieces of art that hung on a wall or were displayed to only be viewed, but were important objects that played a functional role in the Kwakiutl’s ritualistic way of the life. The most important ceremony, the hamatsa dance held during the winter tsetsequa season, boasted the largest masks, those with the faces of the fantastic cannibal bird-monsters. Through patient carving, careful painting, and traditional dancing, the identity of these masks is carefully presented, honoring the spirits that reside in the village and telling a visual story of family history to a captivated audience. Pictured is a Hamatsa Potlatch
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 03:51:25 +0000
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