Wasp Costume
The Quagyuhl men were renowned for their remarkable woodcarving skills, producing elaborate totem poles and masks that demonstrated their artistic aptitude. The Qagyuhl man’s Hamasilahl outfit makes him appear frightening. Hamsilahl loosely translates as “wasp-embodiment,” referring to the god’s personification in complex ritual dances. The Qagyuhl, unlike many other tribes at the time, did not object to outsiders viewing their rituals and sacraments, allowing renowned photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis to witness and film some of their sacred practices. Curtis observed that the Quagyuhl invested substantially in the creativity of their spiritual practice, possessing the most comprehensive and diversified collection of masks, costumes, and customs.
Wasp Costume
Kwakiutl Crests
The Kwaikiutl, commonly known as Kwakwaka’wakw, are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. Here are two imposing totem poles at the entrance to a Kwaikiutl’s home in what is now Alert Bay, British Columbia. The totem poles function as family crests, symbolically guarding the home’s entrance and exhibiting the homeowner’s status. The paternal crest is represented by an eagle with wings extended and eyes focused on the horizon. Grizzly bears form the maternal crest on the lower side of the totem poles. A rival chieftain’s head is firmly gripped by the grizzly bears, symbolizing the Kwaikutl’s destruction of its adversaries.
Kwakiutl Crests
