Beau Dick Kwakwaka’wakw, Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, 1955-2017
Nu-Tla-Ma (Fool Dancer), 1992
Red cedar, acrylic, horsehair, bear fur
15 x 11 x 11 inches
38.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm
38.1 x 27.9 x 27.9 cm
Photo: Byron Dauncey
Price on request
Noohlmahl or “fool” dancers were messengers for the Hamatsa, ran errands for them, and acted as a sort of police during the Hamatsa series. They were violent, foolish, and nonhuman....
Noohlmahl or “fool” dancers were messengers for the Hamatsa, ran errands for them, and acted as a sort of police during the Hamatsa series.
They were violent, foolish, and nonhuman. They kept a kind of order by loudly threatening people, pushing back crowds, glaring at anyone who laughed, and throwing rocks and clubs. They were said to be under the control of the Ahlasimk spirits, who lived on a remote inland lake and hated everything calm, clean, or attractive.
The chief feature of the Noohlmahl mask was an exaggerated, huge nose, and this aspect was emphasized in the pageant.
They were violent, foolish, and nonhuman. They kept a kind of order by loudly threatening people, pushing back crowds, glaring at anyone who laughed, and throwing rocks and clubs. They were said to be under the control of the Ahlasimk spirits, who lived on a remote inland lake and hated everything calm, clean, or attractive.
The chief feature of the Noohlmahl mask was an exaggerated, huge nose, and this aspect was emphasized in the pageant.
Exhibitions
Etnos - The Faces of Diversity, Santander Cultural, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Aug 14 - Dec 7, 2018Devoured by Consumerism, White Columns, NY, March 15 - May 4, 2019; Remai Modern, Saskatoon, SK, June 21 – Sept 8, 2019
Beau Dick & Christophe Brunnquell, Consortium, Académie Conti, Vosne Romanée, France, July 8 - Oct 9, 2021. Curated by Franck Gautherot & Seungduk Kim.