Hao Hao

The Hao Hao, depicted above, is a large and deadly bird. The wingspan is great and the Hao Hao can be heard “hao, hao, hao, …” thus giving it the name.

Anyone caught sleeping without protection might be found killed by the Hao Hao. Such a death can be prevented by erecting a staff prior to sleep.

In the Nuxalk Nation we dance four Hao Hao’s at a time. Each of which represent the four Hao Hao brothers which each inhabit their own mountain top.

The masks are just over four feet in length and are heavy. They are danced while wearing a blanket and then burned after the dance.