Artwork copyright James Jordan. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright James Jordan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Ghost Dancer Mask, 1981

James Jordan
American (born 1945, died 2001)

Location: Maywood Hills Elementary, Bothell

About the Artwork

Created by non-Native artist James Jordan, Ghost Dancer Mask is inspired by ceremonial masks used by Northwest Coast Tribes. Jordan notes that the "Ghost Dancer would sometimes act as a helper for a shaman and bring messages from the spirit world." The Ghost Dancer is a meaningful persona for many Tribes.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Northshore School District.

About the Artist

Oregon-based, non-Native artist James Jordan (1945-2001) created artworks influenced by the artistic traditions of the Northwest Coastal tribes. He was born in Longview, Southwestern Washington and attended Lower Columbia College (in Longview) before graduating from the American School of Photography. James Jordan was a longtime resident of the small town of Rainier in Northwestern Oregon on the Columbia River.