A unique First Nations bird mask has been stolen during a break-and-enter at an Alert Bay property.
Alert Bay RCMP said the mask, which has cultural and historical significance to the Kwakwaka’wakw people, was taken from a shed on Cormorant Island on Friday.
Const. Andrew Curtis said the art piece depicts the supernatural bird Huxhukw, and is one of three bird masks used by the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples during winter ceremonies. The mask’s beak is about 1.5 metres long and is brightly painted. It is modelled after another mask on display at the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology.
Police said it is possible that whoever has the mask will try to sell it to a gallery or a private collector.
The theft of such items does not happen often, said Chief Bill Cranmer of the Namgis First Nation, one of the Kwakwaka’wakw nations. He said the mask is used in the Hamatsa ceremony, also known as the cannibal dance, and is part of potlatch activities.
Use of aboriginal masks was forbidden in Canada during the potlatch ban, from the late 1800s until 1951. During that time, many masks were seized. While some were returned to First Nations, others are now held in public and private collections.
Alert Bay RCMP ask anyone with information to call Const. Curtis at 250-974-5544 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
