GROWING NOSE SPIRIT

Reference:

Plate 5, Figure 4. Tsimsyan.

The dance in which this mask is used belongs solely to the owners of the Wolf Crest. This specimen represents the Spirit which used to live near the Canyon of the Naas River who is credited with having developed this remarkable nasal extension in order to stop a terrible flow of lava in its path of des- truction. The tradition is probably based upon a severe erup- tion of lava which took place many years ago on the Upper Nass River, devastating the country and overwhelming many villages from which the people fled for refuge to the hills.» The fact that the eruption presently ceased was quite naturally at- tributed to supernatural means.

The mask, measuring & feet 4 inches, was collected in 1912 by the late Dr. C. F. Newcombe, of Victoria, B. C.. and is in the Provincial Museum. The long nose is telescopic, which added much realism to the dramatization of the legend.

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