RCMP Const. Andrew Curtis says an important historical mask was stolen from a shed in Alert Bay

RCMP Const. Andrew Curtis says an important historical mask was stolen from a shed in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island off the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The piece depicts the supernatural bird Huxhukw, and is one of three bird masks used by the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples during winter ceremonies. RCMP are concerned that the thief will attempt to sell the mask to a private collector or gallery and are urging anyone with information to contact them. It is a brightly painted piece with a beak five feet long.