Native American, Northwestern Coast United States, Kwakwaka´wakw (Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth), ca. 1920s CE. A dramatic hand carved wooden ceremonial mask, with vibrant painted details. The mask is stylized with downward lips, broad cheeks, a hooked nose, a thick brow, and holes through the eyes for the wearer to see through. Two separate panels extend from the head representing feathers with painted chevron shapes in red, yellow, and white. The rest of the visage is painted with red, orange, white, black, and blue pigments. The sides are pierced for suspension and the top has a metal suspension wire attached for displaying. The anthropomorphic face is representative of a chief's mask. One of the projecting panels is handwritten with a label, now mostly indiscernible, with the name of the chief who may have owned this fine ceremonial piece. Size: 18.5" L x 10.5" W (47 cm x 26.7 cm)
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private Alamo collection, Alamo, California, USA
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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#167043
Condition
Stable pressure fissures and nicks. Surface abrasions, discoloration, and stains. One head feather is slightly loose, but relatively secure. Modern metal wire added to verso for suspension. Faint label written on one feather panel in pencil, mostly indiscernible.