• Director(s):

    DHELSING (MARIE-DOMINIQUE)

  • Producer(s):

    ARTE FRANCE

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2001

  • Language(s):

    German, French

  • Rights:

    NON-THEATRICAL, TV, VOD, DVD, INTERNET

In the Kwakiutl community, in British Columbia, masks are part of the symbolic heritage of a noble or a chief.

In the Kwakiutl community, in British Columbia, masks are part of the symbolic heritage of a noble or a chief. Masks and other dance regalia are made by professional artists who know the myths concerning the origins of the emblems of the great families and the secrets of brotherhoods of initiates. The masks are used at the religious and dramatic performances conducted during the great winter ceremonies, in which the spirits take their places amongst men.
This particular mask is a transformation mask, literally "a mask which opens" in the form of an eagle.
It has a device enabling the two side panels to open and shut, and illustrates the metamorphosis of the mythical hero of the group with which it is associated. The taste of the Indians of the north-west coast for theatrical/ "machines" expresses itself in the design of this type of mask, intended to create an effect of surprise and wonder amongst the audience gathered in the house of ceremonies.