Native American, Pacific Northwest, Kwakwaka'wakw people (Kwakiutl), ca. mid to late 20th century CE, purportedly created by Lelooska (Don Smith, 1933-1996) or a member of the Lelooska family. An incredible hand-carved wooden mask, purportedly created by Lelooska, one of a handful of artists credited with creating a renaissance of Northwest Coastal art in the second half of the twentieth century. Adorned in teal, white, black, and red paints, the massive vizard displays annular, openwork eyes, a broad nose, and full, slightly parted lips. A striking border of repeated protruding tabs decorates the periphery of the piece, making it resemble a flower. Size: 11.25" W x 14.875" H (28.6 cm x 37.8 cm); 18.75" H (47.6 cm) on included custom stand.
In addition to being a celebrated artist and storyteller, Lelooska had a keen interest in studying many different aspects of Native American culture, especially those linked to the Pacific Northwest, including speaking several Native American languages. In 1977 he created the Lelooska Foundation, which, along with the advice of chiefs and tribal elders, allowed him to create a living history program that continues to this day. Lelooska was born of Cherokee heritage and was adopted in adulthood by the Kwakiutl Sewid clan (Kwakwaka'wakw). His peak years of fame and artistic output were from the 1970s to the early 1990s, and his shows attracted as many as 30,000 people per year.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
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.
#166470
Condition
Collection label and suspension wire on verso. Intact and excellent with vibrant pigments.