GILBERT DAWSON (1984-) KWAKWA̱KA̱ʼWAKW, ALERT BAY, B.C. / VICTORIA, B.C.
Wind Mask, 2012
wood, cedar bark, feathers, and acrylic paint, 12 x 6.5 x 4 in (30.5 x 16.5 x 10.2 cm), measurements reflect dimensions with inset feathers.
titled, inscribed, signed, and dated, "WIND / MASK / VIC BC. / Gilbert / Dawson / 2012".

ESTIMATE: $400 — $600

Provenance: Private Collection, Ontario;
Estate of the above.

As an artist immersed in the Kwak'wala language, Gilbert Dawson has learned more than 75 ceremonial songs throughout his life. It is little wonder that The Atlakim (translated to the Dance of the Forest Spirits), a very populated Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw story, is something he returns to frequently in his carving. A human-like personification of wind comes forth in this Wind Mask, with its pursed lips blowing and light feathers constantly in motion while being danced. In Gilbert's own words:
There is a part of the dance that revolves around Kwakwabalas, a young boy that is given the ability to protect all living beings in the forests. After Kwakwabalas attains the ability to protect, he begins his journey home but notices that the path is blanketed in fog. At that moment, the Creator calls upon Wind to clear the way for the boy, because Kwakwabalas must share his gift with his relatives.