(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Indians 101: Orcas in ceremonies (museum exhibit) [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-06-27 The First Nations of the Northwest Coast have a way of life which is oriented toward the sea. Among the First Nations of the Northwest Coast, daily life and spirituality were closely interwoven. As a part of a special exhibition, Orcas: Our Shared Future, in the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Oregon there were exhibits looking at orca symbolism in ceremonies. Shown above is a Kwakwakak’wakw-style mask made in 1974 by Lawrence Rosso. The people of the Northwest Coast, particularly those in the Northern and Central portions of this culture area, are well known for their ceremonial masks. Masks are both art objects and objects with spiritual significance. According to Bruce Grenville, the curator of the Vancouver Art Museum in his introduction to the book Down From the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast: “Masks are a manifestation of powerful ancestral spirits and are used to make the supernatural world visible.” When used in ceremonies, the masks take on the life and spirit of the spirits which they represent. Traditionally, masks were guarded and hidden away, and not shown until they appeared in the ceremonial dance. Another view of the mask. Shown above is a Haida Chief’s headdress with Killer Whale fin. This was made before 1911. According to OMSI: “Headresses such as these are worn at potlatches by leaders to identify themselves as Killer Whales with ancestral connections to their crest animal.” One of the cultural features of the Northwest Coast First Nations’ cultures is the potlatch. The potlatch is a ceremony featuring songs, dances, rituals, feasting, and the formal gifting of goods. Another view of the Killer Whale headdress Detail from the Killer Whale headdress Shown above is a Haida Copper with Killer Whale crest made before 1909. One of the important ceremonial objects associated with the potlatch is the copper. This is a shield-like sheet of beaten copper which is often decorated with indented designs. The copper symbolically represents the prestige of the ancestors as well as current leaders. In her book Kwakiutl Art, Audrey Hawthorn writes: “The copper was an item of essential importance in the potlatch economy of the Kwakiutl, as well as among the Haida, Tsimshian, and Tlingit.” While the coppers are symbols of great wealth, they have powerful ceremonial meanings as well. Writing about the Kwakiutl, Audrey Hawthorn reports: “To officiate when dealing with a copper the chief donned a special mask of Tsonokwa, which was carved to depict the male qualities of the giant in warrior aspect, fierce, aggressive, and alert.” Detail from the copper Shown above is a Tlingit Ceremonial Robe made about 1900 by Anisalaga. Detail from the Ceremonial Robe Detail from the Ceremonial Robe Detail from the Ceremonial Robe Detail from the Ceremonial Robe Shown above is a Kwakwakak’wakw mask made by Richard Hunt in 1980 for Chief Tommy Hunt’s potlatch. Another view of the mask Another view of the mask Another view of the mask Detail of the mask Detail of the mask. Notice that the lower jaw is hinged that that it can move during the dance. Detail of the mask. This is another moveable part. Detail of the mask. This is another moveable part. Note: These photographs were taken on November 5, 2023. More about the First Nations of the Northwest Coast Indians 101: The Northwest Coast Culture Area Indians 101: A very short overview of the Northwest Coast Potlatch Indians 101: Northwest Coast Masks (Photo Diary) Indians 101: Northwest Coast Hats in the Portland Art Museum (Photo Diary) Indians 101: The Northwest Coast plank longhouse (museum diary) Indians 101: Killer Whale Potlatch Feast Bowl (museum exhibit) Indians 101: Northwest Coast Killer Whale crests (museum exhibit) Indians 101: Honour for Killer Whales (museum exhibit) [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/6/27/2248406/-Indians-101-Orcas-in-ceremonies-museum-exhibit?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/