Kwaguilth Nation
Jay Brabant (b. 1970 Cree)

Cedar, pigment
1997
Height: 30 in; Width: 24.5 in
Other – Regalia

Carved/inscribed inside:  Kwaguilth / Star / Jay Brabant / 4/97 / 6#

This Jay Brabant Kwakiutl (now known as Kwakwaka’wakw, which means “Kwakʼwala-speaking-peoples) Star Mask #6, is carved in the traditional style of the indigenous Kwaguilth Nation.  It was carved by Jay as artwork for the wall and is not a ceremonial mask.  Jay, who was trained by his father Gene Brabant, is a Victoria BC born artist of Cree descent that has become a master carver in the NW Coast art form.

Star Mask #6 depicts a human-like face, which Jay Brabant identifies as the Kwaguilth Speaker.  The Kwaguilth Nation consists of the southernmost group of indigenous people living in the main community called Tsaxis or Fort Rupert.  The paints used in the painted designs on this mask are based on the three primary colors historically used by the NW Coast tribes: black, blue, and red.  The mask has seven extended rays, each depicting alternating faces.   Four of the extended rays show a facial expression with a red cap and three extended rays show a facial expression with a blue cap.