Kwakwaka'wakw Dancers of Fort Rupert

This week's North Island historical photo is called "Indian Dancers of Fort Rupert," taken about 1896. Within the big house, large elaborate dances and productions were an important part of the Kwakwaka'wakw culture. Some of the stories portrayed killings and even cannibalism, at times this would include the resurrection of a murdered person or supernatural being. Special effects, such as tubes running under the ground, special material thrown into the fire to make smoke or explosions, and other special effects were used to create an amazing experiences for audiences. Some of the first people to record seeing these events in English expressed their shock and horror at events that were both very scary and seemingly magic.

BC Archives H-04849