Mask - Mosquito

Mosquito Mask, 2026
Talon George, Gwa’sala/‘Nakwaxda’wx
Cedar and acrylic paint
8.75” x 11” x 7.5”

-------------------------------------------------

"The mosquito, as we all know is an insect that feeds off the blood of many living animals. It is also known as "the scratcher" in ceremony, tying to stories of bakbakwalanuksiwe, a man eating spirit where he is thrown into the fire and as he burns, mosquitoes fly out of the fire in a big swarm. 
This piece is also to honour my mother, who holds a dance within the ‘Nułlam’ society. "The Scratcher" where she is on the floor and throws her "power" out to the audience of people who show signs of itching during ceremony, she then regains her powers and shows a dance mimicking the mosquito.
It is in our ways to acknowledge and honour all forms of life, insects included- as we are all one." - Talon George