Featured in this lot is this late 19th century Thunderbird mask attributed to the Pacific Northwest Coast people. The mask shows a very unique provenance past down within the Brun family. The mask shows a Thunderbird design with dried and naturally dyed grass and features polychrome dark red coloration with black ochre dye and a thunderbird head shown on the top of the mask. The Native Thunderbird symbol represents power, protection, and strength. He is often seen as the most powerful of all spirits and can also transform into human form by opening his head up like a mask and taking his feathers off as if they were a mere blanket. The condition of this thunderbird mask is good for its 19th century age; it shows wear consistent with the usage of the mask. The mask still smells of campfire smoke due to being tied to a tree by the campfire by a previous collector. The measurements of this mask are 23 1/4" x 19 1/2" x 4 1/2". Provenance: This mask is originally from the collection of Dr. Oscar Brun and was purchased during a trip to the western states, circa 1890; it was inherited by Christ J. Kerner in 1920, then inherited by Christopher J. Kerner in 1950, and then inherited by Rev. Barry M. Kerner; it was purchased from Rev Barry and brought to a private collector from Billings, Montana. The piece includes the Provenance story paperwork.

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