Prince Rupert B.C.
Tony Gulbrandsen, Carver

Wood, pigment, cedar bark
ca. 1990s
Height: 13 in [without hair]; Width: 9.75 in; Depth: 6 in
Other – Regalia – Mask

 Inscribed inside: Wren Mask and Bears / Tony Gulbrandsen / LUX / Kula Alam Band / Prince Rupert B. C. / Wren and Bear Clan / HRE

This is a Tony Gulbrandsen carved polychrome ‘Wren and Bears’ Mask with cedar bark strip hair.  The wren is a small bird, widely considered a harbinger of spring, rebirth, and a symbol of immortality, and protection.  It’s also a symbol of the arts, because of its association with poets, songwriters, musicians, and anyone who writes or crafts written works.  

At the top of the mask are two Spirit Bears, otherwise known as the Kermode Bears.  The Tsimshian believed that animals had supernatural powers, which is why they became known as Spirit Bears.  Today, these bears serve as a symbol of the Great Bear Rainforest in Canada.