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Pacific Northwest First Nations Kwakuitl Transformation or Opening Mask, 1970s

Pacific Northwest First Nations Kwakuitl Transformation or Opening Mask, 1970s

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Pacific Northwest First Nations Kwakuitl Transformation or Opening Mask, 1970s

About the Item

An exceptionally well done and scarce vintage transformation or opening mask in the style of—and likely by—the First Nations Kwakuitl (Kwakwaka’wakw) people of the coastal Pacific Northwest. Mask features a very striking visage when closed, with big green eye sockets and upper cheeks, bright red nostrils and lips, and black eyes, brows, and trim goatee. When opened, a second face with similar bold black accents and a red open slit mouth is dramatically revealed. It’s framed by black open-palm hands and thick, undulating black border designs on either side and around the face. Polychrome is most likely organic pigments. Crafted of hand-carved red cedar—known as the “Tree of Life” by First Nations people. Mask is trimmed all the away around with both split and twisted rope-like reed elements, and is topped by a copious amount of long golden horse hair. Whether open, closed, or a bit of both, it exhibits fantastic and powerful character from every angle. Retains tag from the since-closed Fairweather Gallery in Sitka, Alaska. Ready to hang via a metal tab on the top back. We’ve estimated the mask as being from the 1970s based on surface wear contrasting with the still quite fine condition of the reed and hair elements, though it’s quite possible that it’s from even earlier. A transformation mask—also known as an opening mask—is a type of mask used by indigenous people of the northwest coast of North America and Alaska in ritual dances. Northwest coast peoples generally use them in potlatches to illustrate myths, while they’re used by Alaska natives for shamanic rituals. This style of mask most often incorporates at least one stylized animal face, making this example with both faces being human—or humanoid—rather uncommon, and possibly represents the dichotomy between one’s outer self and inner self or soul. Dimensions listed are of the mask closed and include reed and hair elements. Specific dimensions of just the mask are as follows: Mask closed: H 11.75 in. x W 9.25 in. x D 5.5 in. Mask open: H 11.75 x W 20.5 in. x D 5.75 in.

Dimensions:
Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 19 in (48.26 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Style:
Tribal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cedar,Paint,Reed,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted,Polychromed
Place of Origin:
Canada
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1970s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In good vintage condition. Moderate surface wear to clear lacquer finish and some of the black and red painted areas. Reeds and hair are in uncommonly clean and great looking shape.
Seller Location:
San Francisco, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU955044391312

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