Native American, Northwestern Canada, Haida, ca. 1947 CE. A stunning wood and walrus ivory mask of Dzunukwa (or Dzonokwa) or Wild Woman, skillfully hand-carved and painted by a Haida artist. This dark visage displays full pursed lips held open as though singing or chanting, a prominent nose with wide nostrils, sunken eyes, inlaid with carved walrus ivory that are pierced for the wearer to see through, and a central ivory knob between the thick brows. A series of 7 tufts of lengthy gray horsehair sprout from the top of the brow, cascading down the front of her face and accentuating her "wild" appearance. The verso is signed by an unknown artist, B. Williams. Size: 10" L x 10" W (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm)

Dzunukwa is a mythical female being said to cause nightmares and carry children away to her home in the forest to eat them. Like beasts such as Bigfoot or the Sasquatch, she is believed to be an anthropomorphic giant with a huge body and head, boney, black face, bushy unkempt hair, and pursed lips. Her prominent red lips, as seen in this example, are emphasized to indicate her blood thirstiness and her cry “Hu! Hu!” During the winter ceremonies, masked dancers represent several spiritual beings, including Dzunukwa, who is portrayed as shaggy, lumbering, sleepy, and vain. She always carries a basket to collect children and must be assisted by a rope that leads from the door to her seat when she enters the longhouse for the winter ceremony, due to her clumsiness. Though frightening, it is important to note that she is capable of providing wealth and power. If a chief wants his audience to respect and fear him, as they fear Dzunukwa, he wears her mask while speaking to the people. It is believed that those who are able to outsmart Dzunukwa and reach her house, will leave with treasures like dried meats, animal skins, dance privileges and the "water of life," which is capable of reviving the dead.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.

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, before 2000

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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.

#167284

Ears reattached with adhesive residue. Surface wear and scuffs and chips to paint and wood. Some areas of discoloration. Stable pressure fissure on chin. Signed on verso with date. Metal wire added for suspension.