Mask - Mossman

Mossman, 2026
Peter Smith, Kwakwaka'wakw
Cedar and acrylic paint
8.5" x 10.75" x 4"

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The Mossman mask was hand-carved and painted by Kwakwaka'wakw artist, Peter Smith.

The Mossman comes from the Atlakam kingdom dance. This kingdom as over 40 forest spirit masks. Mossman is a man that happened to fall asleep in the forest for quite awhile and when he woke up half of his face was covered in moss. So he became Mossman of the Atlakam kingdom.- Peter Smith

Peter Smith is a Kwakwaka’wakw carver that has been working in the wood mediums since 1995 when he began his carving career studying under the watchful eyes of carver Winadzi James. Although he began carving in 1995, his exposure to the art form began in early childhood when he watched artists such as Walter (Long-John) Smith, Sam Johnson, Jack James, and Allan James while spending time in his home community of Gilford Island.

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