'Namgis’ mask made by the Kwakwaka'wakw people of the Pacific Northwest coast in Canada. It is an exquisite piece and can be seen in Gallery 91 at the British Museum. It does however have an unfortunate history which raises many questions.

In April 1884 a law was passed in Canada with the aim of eradicating traditional First Nations cultural practices. One of the consequences of this law was that this mask was confiscated. It subsequently ended up in the British Museum.

The law stated “Every Indian or other person who engages in or assists in celebrating the Indian festival known as the "Potlatch" or the Indian dance known as the "Tamanawas" is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be liable to imprisonment...”

“... for a term not more than six nor less than two months in a jail or other place of confinement”.
The law went on to say

“Any Indian or other person who encourages, either directly or indirectly an Indian or Indians to get up such a festival or dance, or to celebrate the same, or who shall assist in the celebration of same is guilty of a like offence, and shall be liable to the same punishment.”

In spite of this law the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people continued to potlatch. It led to a confrontation in 1921 where 45 Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw people were arrested for dancing and giving or receiving gifts. It seems insane now but that was the law.

The ‘offenders’ were sent to jail and served their sentences at Oakalla Prison near Vancouver. The cultural artefacts used in the Potlatch were confiscated. One of them was this mask.

These artefacts were then dissipated across a number of museums in Canada, North America and Europe. A long struggle eventually ensued to have them returned. Amazingly the struggle was successful and all of the objects confiscated that day were returned. All but this one.

The case raises serious questions about ethnographic collections held by U.K. museums. In particular those objects of spiritual significance or those acquired in problematical circumstances. The British Museum has steadfastly refused to repatriate the mask.

You can find more information on this at the U'mista Cultural Centre http://umista.ca/pages/collecti …
It is a place well worth visiting. Very important to note that I do not speak on behalf of these people. They have their own voices & European museums have a moral obligation to listen.