AA 84 - Naxnox mask depicting smallpox
Some researchers believe that this mask was carved in response to the smallpox epidemics that ravaged BC First Nations people in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Examined by Director of Nisga'a Cultural Centre, Stephanie Halapija on June 12, 2018 who noted that this was constructed in a manner similar to other nax nox masks she has seen from the Nisga'a area, including a red flicker and a raven mask. The movable beak, and large scale, are also found in Nisga'a nax nox masks and she will make inquiries to see if anyone remembers this particular mask. Smallpox stories are common among the Nisga'a who estimate that as much as 80% of their pre-contact population succumbed to introduced diseases.
Beverly Boissery and Bronwyn Short "Beyond Hope", The DunDurn Group. Toronto, 2003. p 76. Terry Reksten, "The Illustrated History of Britich Columbia". Douglas & McIntyre. Vancouver/Toronto, 2001. p 78.
Artifact Part | Height (cm) | Length (cm) | Width (cm) | Depth (cm) | Diameter (cm) | Thickness (cm) | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30.48 | 99.06 | 77.50 |