George Price (Coast Salish / Kwakiutl, b. 1960). "Crooked Beak" painted wood and raffia mask, ca. early 21st century. Not signed. A dramatic, hand-carved wooden mask representing the bird-monster called galukw'amhl or "Crooked Beak of Heaven," and worn by a member of the Hamat'sa Society. Hand-painted in hues of black, white, yellow, and red, the massive vizard displays an elongated snout with huge, openwork nostrils, a wide mouth that opens and shuts, ellipsoid eyes with delineated irises and pupils, and a pair of pointed ears or horns rising from the top. An additional head of a bird is displayed beneath the jaw of crooked beak, showing target-motif eyes, a swooping nose, and gritted teeth. Strips of cedar bark crown the top of the head as well as fall from the bottom of the mask, serving to camouflage the dancer when worn, while a rope beneath the beak allows it to open and close for additional animation and sound effects. Size: 33" L x 10" W x 17.5" H (83.8 cm x 25.4 cm x 44.4 cm)

Crooked Beak, also known as the Cannibal Spirit, is an integral character in the Hamat'sa winter dances and is worn by members during the initiation ceremony. The dance revolves around a young initiate to the society who is kidnapped and taken into the woods by the Cannibal Spirit. The boy, on the verge of manhood, becomes wild and needs a series of songs and dances to tame him. The entire dance tells the story of his capture and return to the human world. As winter dances are highly dramatic and performed inside dimly lit structures around a central fire, the artist has used a variety of techniques to enhance the theatrical effect of the mask. For example, the colors had to be visible in dim lighting, so the artist painted white around the eyes to reflect the light from the fire. Rhythmic designs draw the viewer's eyes to certain parts of the mask and bring these areas to life. The long strands of cedar bark sway with the dancer as he crouches, jumps, and moves throughout the room. Sound is crucial to the drama of the mask's appearance. Hidden inside is a series of strings that the dancer uses to open and close the beaks, creating a loud clapping noise. The movement and sound created by the beaks add surprise and drama to the ritual, emphasizing the voracious nature of the spirit. Note how each bird's mouth is outlined in red, making the movement of the beaks more striking and suggesting that they are perhaps soaked in blood from indulging in cannibalism.

According to a paper accompanying the piece, "George Price (b.1960) has been carving in wood since 1990. The following three well-seasoned carvers taught him: Alfred Robertson, Jackson Robertson and Jimmy Joseph. Each of these carvers is well known and is an exceptional teacher and mentor. George uses solely cedar wood, as did his ancestors. George has advanced quickly showing his gift for the art. He chooses to carve the historic work of the masters. For example, his latest work the crooked beak mask is as close to a match as one could hope to that of a piece carved by renowned Willie Seaweed back in the early 1900's. George's work is done in the very traditional style, which shows the influence of his teachers. His focus is on the masks of the winter dance: the Hamatsa. Currently, he is considered to be one of the more skilled carvers on the West Coast and is admired by many of his peers. George's pieces have been purchased by many renowned collectors and galleries including: Paul Allen, Bill Pope, Spirit Wrestler Gallery and the NW Tribal Art Show, Seattle. George also participated in the 1999 NW Coast Tribal Art show in Portland Oregon where he received both a first and second placing in mask works. His pieces have also been displayed at the 1999 Allied Arts show of Bellingham."

Provenance: private Thornton, Colorado, USA collection, acquired from Our Native Land Gallery, Jasper, Alberta, Canada on May 30, 2005

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#182506

Display stand is not included. Some light abrasions and shedding to cedar bark with some areas where cedar bark has been reattached. Otherwise, mostly intact and excellent with great remaining pigments. Unsigned.