This Eclipse Mask is hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Gilbert Dawson. It has been carved from red cedar, painted in acrylic, and adorned with removable feathers. The black paint has an additive that gives it a subtle shimmer.

Many Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples, particularly those of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nations, believe that a lunar eclipse occurs when a monster in the sky, sometimes referred to as a giant supernatural codfish, attempts to swallow the moon. To counteract this, people will dance around a smoky, smoldering fire, hoping to force the monster to sneeze and cough up the moon.

The Moon Symbol is the protector and guardian of the earth. Its spirit watches over us and can change our moods.

Find more information about and examples of Northwest Coast First Nations symbol.

The mask, including the feathers, measures approximately 26 inches or 66 centimeters in diameter and 7 inches or 18 centimeters deep. Excluding the feathers, the mask measures about 11 inches or 28 centimeters in diameter.

The last image shows the artist holding the mask.