Native American, Pacific Northwest, Lelooska of the Kwakwaka'wakw people (Kwakiutl), ca. second half of the 20th century CE. A fantastic cedar speaker's mask, featuring a large central face surrounded by two side panels, each featuring two smaller masks stacked vertically. The central mask features large eyes, raven-like black motifs on the cheeks, a big nose with red-rimmed nostrils, and a wide, open mouth with red lips and a protruding tongue. Each panel contains two different masks, both with avian properties, which are identical to those on the other panel. A swan-like bird's head and neck projects from the back of the mask. Size: 14.25" W x 12.9" H (36.2 cm x 32.8 cm); 16.8" H (42.7 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
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#156380
Condition
Light wear on surface commensurate with age, notably a small fissure on the back of the bird's head and near the top of the mask. Old adhesive mark on back. Signature in pencil on lower interior of mask; this is somewhat difficult to read.