2. The Git-Hoan are descendants of the Tsimshian located in
Metlakatla, Alaska. They are the “People of the Salmon”
and known for their Mask dancing, they are based out of
Seattle. The Tsimshian represent the Eagle, Killer whale,
Raven and Wolf clans.
The dance group was established in 1996 by David Boxley
and the majority of the dancers come from one family.
Their songs are considered property and are always used
by permission.
3. “Chief Headdress
Honor Song”
The down feathers
represent Peace, if the
feathers touch you if
means Good Luck.
4. “Raven Song”
The Raven song is performed to
honor the Raven Clan.
The Raven is believed to be the
creator of the physical world
and bringer of light. The Raven
has supernatural powers and
can be mischievous and make
people play tricks on each
other.
5. “Dance of the Mouse
Woman”
The Mouse woman watches
over young people and advises
them against being tricked and
taken from the Cannibal Giant.
When they don’t listen the
Giant takes them.
6. “Beaver Song”
The Beaver Song is a story of
a Beaver that built a Damn.
The Damn was destroyed by
foolish kids. The Beaver re-
built the damn bigger and
flooded the village and killed
the people in the Village.
Later someone else walking the
the damn stopped and looked it
and a giant Beaver came up
from the water and stomped its
tail really hard to cause a huge
wave. The person walked away!
Moral of the story,
Honor and Respect people!
7. “Land Otter Spirit”
These women represent the evil land otter spirits. The young men
will see the land otters as pretty women, and young women will
see them as handsome men. So the women here are giving their
"come hither" hands to the men. When they come they are
taken. Then a powerful shaman comes and defeats the evil land
otter spirits.
8. “Prince of Wolves”
This story is of an Eagle and a young chief
The eagle is caught in a net and the chief sees him struggling
and releases him. Time passes and the chiefs people are going through
a famine. The Eagle sees the chief in trouble and drops a salmon
at the foot of the chief. The eagle does this everyday until the
entire village is fed as a thank you for helping so many years ago.
9. “Eagle dance”
The Eagle Dance was performed to honor the Eagle
Clan and all the audience members that made and
wore eagle masks
10. Masks of the Git-Hoan
All the masks are hand-made
and have moving parts, such as the eyes
and mouth.
There are only about 100 people left that
can speak the Salmon Language and this
is why they decided to bring the Git-Hoan
to the rest of the world.
The End!
