Northwest Coast Wooden Doll with Thunderbird, Eagle Mask

About the Item

Seated figure with Thunderbird mask; carved yellow cedar, Thunderbird mask (eagle) depicted as head on a seated human body. Arms are dramatically open and outstretched. Large, richly detailed Thunderbird Mask, permanently attached with oblong eyes painted red, black and white. Edge decorated with dyed (red) spruce root as simulated mask harness over shoulders and across the chest. Dance apron; Seated figure wearing an apron of shredded cedar bark. Held on to figure at the waist with woven cedar string and abalone shell on button at back. Approximately 7" wide/long by 4" high. Bench; carved from cedar. Decorated on the back with bear face, outlined with inlaid red dyed spruce root. Ears, eyebrows and nose of inlaid abalone shell. Eyes of inlaid fossilized ivory. Nose/beak protrudes from bench back. Approximately 5.5"H, 6.75W and 4" deep. (See Denver Art Museum, catalog #QBC-2). Cape; Trade wool, black edged in red trade wool. Closed at neck with woven cedar string and abalone shell button. Back of cape decorated with small pearl buttons. (As per traditional Button-blanket). Bear face figure with in-cut red trade wool outlined with pearl buttons. Eyes are old Chinese brass coins with pearl button pupils. Coin with legible dating in the form the Kuan (or Qianlong) dynasty 1736-1796. This coincides with the main Kuing dynasty, 1664-1912. Cape size 11.5" W and 11.75" H. (See Button-Blanket, Cat. # NA 8516 U. Museum, Philadelphia). History: Acquired from a Midwest doll collector. The doll was collected from Mary Thompson living in Revelstoke, B.C. The piece was collected by her grandfather in Masset, B.C. that is on Queen Charlotte Island in the early 1920's. There may be different work periods on the piece, however, the last at that time. Period: circa 1920s Origin: (Northwest) Haida, Queen Charlotte's Island Size: Doll; 13"L; measurement, back of head to the tip of beak 10 1/2" Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.

Dimensions:

Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Width: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)Depth: 10.5 in (26.67 cm)

Style:

Native American (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Cedar

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1920-1929

Date of Manufacture:

1920