Kingfisher Model Mask is beautifully carved and decorated in bright blue and black, and some sparkle too, hand-worked traditional red cedar bark fringe. Priced at $795, measures 12l x 7h x 3w.

The artist only identified himself as “Patrick”, and we have no known tribal affiliation. There is some faint writing on the underside of the base which could be researched further.

Don’t miss this piece’s companion, the Jay Model Mask, sold separately.

Kingfishers (“ceskwadadas” in Wampano language) play a variety of different roles in the folklore of different Native American tribes. To the Northwest Coast Indians, Kingfisher is generally viewed positively, as a messenger and a sign of good luck to come. There are references to the Kingfisher boldly plunging into dark waters for it’s reward as a source of inspiration when bold decisions need to be made in uncertain times. In Makah legends, however, a human thief was punished by being transformed into the first kingfisher. In the Siouan tribes, Kingfisher is associated with fertility. Most often, Kingfisher appears in traditional stories as a proficient hunter, whose success cannot be duplicated by careless imitators.