Fig. 4: Mask. Nuu-chah-nulth.
Last third of the 18th century.
H: 33 cm. 
Red cedar, black paint, leather strap.

This mask represents a human visage with well-defined features. The expressive face appears to grimace in surprise. Between the nose and the upper lip are two holes containing the remains of leather, which may indicate additional decoration. The losses to the upper section occurred before it was collected.

The piece is of dual design with both a face and totemic motifs. Both are indications of the mask's specific use or uses, which would have related to the the ancestral line of the animal represented on the forehead. Rituals were frequent among the Nuu-chah-nulth. Before organizing a whale hunt, trading, planning wars, or consulting ancestors, ceremonies were held. Masks and rattles (such as the one in fig. 5) were essential elements in these activities.