<P> A transformation mask is a type of mask used by indigenous people of the Northwest Coast and Alaska in ritual dances . These masks usually depict an outer , animal visage , which the performer can open by pulling a string to reveal an inner , human face carved in wood . Northwest coast peoples generally use them in potlatches to illustrate myths , while they are used by Alaska natives for shamanic rituals . </P>
<P> A transformation mask is a type of mask used by indigenous people of the Northwest Coast and Alaska in ritual dances . These masks usually depict an outer , animal visage , which the performer can open by pulling a string to reveal an inner , human face carved in wood . Northwest coast peoples generally use them in potlatches to illustrate myths , while they are used by Alaska natives for shamanic rituals . </P>
how were transformation masks used in the original potlatch ceremonies
how were transformation masks used in the original potlatch ceremonies
to illustrate myths
to illustrate myths