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THBKwakiutl Tsungani Cedar Wolf Transformation Mask, 1980s
Lot 127
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,800 - $3,500
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Sep 10, 2020
Set Reminder
2020-09-10 10:00:00
2020-09-10 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Antiquities | Asian | Ethnographic Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/antiquities-asian-ethnographic-art-5546
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (361)
- Lot Description
Fearon Smith / Chief Tsungani (Northwest Coast, Kwakiutl/Kwakwaka'wakw tribe), ca. 1980s. Finely carved from cedar and hand painted, a transitional wolf mask by Chief Tsungani, the brother of Chief Lelooska as well as a notable artist, historian, and storyteller. Northwest Coast transformation masks usually manifest the transformation of an animal, in this case a wolf, changing into a mythical being, an ancestor, or another animal. Masks are worn by dancers during ceremonies who pull strings to open and move the mask—in effect, animating it. When the cords of this mask are pulled, the wolf's fur-topped, snouted head opens at the center to reveal the mesmerizing face of a mythical being or ancestor. All is skillfully carved and painted in a traditional palette or red, black, aqua, and white. The details are fabulous. Take note of the intricately carved maskettes adorning the wolf's ears as well as the mesmerizing paintings on the interior of the wolf's snout. Size: 21.25" L x 20.75" W x 17.625" H (54 cm x 52.7 cm x 44.8 cm); 35.25" W (89.5 cm) when fully opened.
Chief Tsungani, a respected mask carver for the Lelooska Cultural Center and Lelooska Foundation, is the younger brother of the late Chief Lelooska (Don Smith) and artist Patty Fawn. He was born with the name Fearon Smith Jr. and later nicknamed "Smitty." The Smith family was of Cherokee and mixed heritage, and later Chief James Aul Sewinde of the Kwakiutl adopted them. While skilled in all traditional artforms, Tsungani is particularly well-known for his ceremonial masks, especially transformational masks like this example. Upon his brother Lelooska's death in 1996, Tsungani became Clan Chief. The name Tsungani translates to "He Who Excels" and his artistry is a testament to that claim.
A Tsungani deer mask sold for $1150 at Cowan's 16 September 2006 - lot 30. A carved and painted wooden box by Tsungana sold for $1400 at Leslie Hindman 2 May 2019 - lot 216.
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.
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#157562A few stable hairline fissures and light abrasions to pigment, otherwise intact and excellent. Great preservation of carved details and pigment throughout. Two small metal rings taped to lower periphery on verso.Condition
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