First Nations Loon and Human Mask
$3,850.00
Kwakiutl First Nation Loon and Human Mask is loaded with detail and expression. The wings and head of a Loon enfolds the ecstatic face of a human.
The Loon and Human mask is intricately carved of red cedar with the amazing painted details that this artist is well-known for. The piece is adorned with sculpted and textured copper and hand-worked red cedar bark bundles and fringe.
This mask measures 26 x 14 x 10 inches including the graceful head of the Loon which projects forward. The piece disassembles into four pieces for safe shipping. Priced at $3850.
In First Nations indigenous cultures, hand-worked red cedar bark traditionally is dried out after pulling it from the tree in the spring. A lengthy process using hand tools softens and shreds the bark so that artwork adornment, clothing, and regalia can be made from it. In times past, these tools traditionally were either made of yew wood or whale bone.
The artist is a Hereditary Chief, an outstanding and internationally recognized artist, and a member of the Kwakiutl First Nation from Fort Rupert, BC, where he lives and works. He comes from a line of great Master carvers and skilled dancers. He started his carving career in 1991 at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC. He apprenticed with the remarkable Hunt family carvers, his relatives. He works in a variety of mediums, carving in both yellow and red cedar. His goal is to carry on the family tradition – preserving the Kwakiulth culture and artistic style.
The Loon symbolizes peace and tranquility, and the powerful wisdom of dreams.