British Colombia, NW Coast / Inuit, ca. 20th century CE. This is a nicely detailed hand carved and painted NW Coast cedar mask with inlaid abalone shell and bright blue, black, and red details. Many of the indigenous people of North America believed (and continue to believe) that a mask reveals, rather than disguises. Each mask was given the personal name of the spirit that it represented and either a human, animal, or half-human, half-animal face. This one is clearly human. Ceremonies in these societies were founded on the belief that individuals could and often did have spiritual encounters with supernatural beings; these ceremonies were a display showing the evidence for those encounters. It is important to recognize that this particular mask, while authentically made, does not bear the marks of having been used in ceremonies -- otherwise it would be a religious artifact that many tribal members would object to seeing bought and sold. Size: 6" W x 9" H (15.2 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex Private New Jersey collection

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#113697

Expected wear but really beautiful condition, with excellent patina on interior and bright colors on face.