Spring Moon
Kolten Grant
Coast Salish
Yellow cedar, paint
12½” x 11½” x 4"
$2500

Spring Moon Mask 

Kolten Grant
Coast Salish

Yellow cedar, paint
12½” x 11½” x 4"

2,500

The moon governs our tides, weather, and emotions. Many of the seasons are influenced by the moon’s energy and control over our planet, making it a fitting symbol to represent each season of the year.

The Spring Moon was directly inspired by the season of spring. I chose to feature twin hummingbirds on the left and right sides of the face—the head positioned on the forehead of the moon, and the wings extending across the cheeks. The colours were inspired by a hummingbird I encountered on a hike.

In my culture, hummingbirds are messengers of the spirit realm, able to move freely between worlds. When they come to you directly, it can be a sign that you are on the right path in your life’s journey.

For the eyebrows of the moon, I incorporated a valuable medicine from my homelands of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw—Pacific Silverweed. This plant is unique to our territory, and my ancestors would host large feasts to share this resource with neighbouring chiefs and families, much like our Oolichan grease potlatches. My family holds the rights to adorn our regalia with this beautiful medicine, and since it is harvested in late spring, I felt it was perfect to include it in this moon mask.