formlines:Natural Beauty Ian Reid from the website:This mask depicts two different times i
formlines:Natural Beauty Ian Reid from the website:This mask depicts two different times in the history of the Heiltsuk people.The left side of the mask is carved, but not painted. It is naked. This side of the mask represents a recent time in the history of the Heiltsuk people when it was illegal to feast or potlatch, illegal to speak our language, illegal to practice the ways of our ancestors. This side of the mask represents the feeling in the hearts of Heiltsuk people through time, and represents a dark time for the Heiltsuk people and the country of Canada.The right side of the mask is carved and painted with the traditional colors of Heiltsuk, and represents a more vibrant time in our history. This side of the mask depicts a change in the way that the Heiltsuk are able to freely express who they are as the first people of their territory. This side of the mask resembles the lift of the potlatch ban, the closing of residential schools, and the healing of the people Heiltsuk people. -- source link