Transformation masks are hinged wooden masks made by the Kwakiutl people of British Columbia. Wearers could use them to alternate between human and animal forms:
According to Kwakiutl creation stories, there once was a time when the only difference between birds, fish, animals and humans was their skin covering, and they all could transform themselves into other forms at will. Animals could become human and humans could become animals. These ideas still guide Kwakiutl religious traditions and make up the meaning of this Transformation mask.
Inspired by this tradition, Anthony Santellas made this lifesize hinged sculpture that opens to reveal a skull.