Exhibitions

Haida Supernatural World

Commissioning art works for ceremony: four monumental masks that come to life on special occasions. As part of its expansion program completed in 2008, the HGM commissioned four large scale masks to represent the primary supernatural beings responsible for the creation of the Haida world. Robert Davidson, Reg Davidson, Jim Hart, and Guujaaw were each commissioned to produce one of the four, including Djilaqons- Eagle clan ancestress; Skulujaad- Raven ancestress, Kalgajaad- Ice Woman, and Xuuya- Supernatural transforming Raven. These are displayed permanently but are mounted in such a way that they can be released for use in Haida ceremonies. This element tells their story through video and photography, in their resting place in the museum, and in their dramatic awakening within the contemporary potlatch.