First Nations, British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Namgis First Nation, Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth, 20th century by Wayne Alfred (b. 1958). Expertly hand-carved from red cedar and finely hand-painted, a sizeable sun mask by Kwakiutl artist Wayne Alfred. The mask presents a central visage with classic Northwest Coast features including heavy black brows, wide open eyes delineated in black and white with contrasting red accents emerging from a turquoise blue ground, a boldly protruding hooked nose of orange, red, black, and white hues; large red lips surrounded by turquoise, orange, black and white borders; stylized concentric orbs in complementary hues adorning the chin as well as the crown of the head; and a surrounding border featuring eight finely decorated scalloped rays rendered in red, orange, and aqua against a white ground - all surrounded by a jet black border with twisted rope lining the face as well as the periphery of the entire mask. Size: 24" L x 23.5" W (61 cm x 59.7 cm)

On the verso of this mask is an informative text panel that reads as follows, "In the Northwest Coast Indian cultures the sun was the giver of life: earth's omnipotent source of energy. It was Raven who unleashed the Sun upon the world and only knows where the Sun resides when it is not in the sky. A face in the center of the sun design, surrounded by rays which may be simple or elaborate, makes this symbol an easy one to recognize. The sun is a popular design motif of the Kwakiutl and a large one stands atop the tallest pole in the world at Alert Bay, B.C. The sun mask is used in the phase of Kwakiutl social life anthropologists have termed the Winter Dance Cycle. The mask is worn in a number of ceremonies during this period."

Also attached to the verso of this mask is an old price tag from the Vancouver Museums and Planetarium shop that identifies the artist as Wayne Alfred - Kwakiutl and notes that this is a sun mask carved from red cedar.

"Kwakwaka'wakw carver Wayne Alfred was born in 1958 into the 'Namgis First Nation, near the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island. His family are artistically, culturally and politically active within his First Peoples' Nation.

Wayne’s very refined and meticulous carving and painting work reflects influences from such historic artists as Arthur Shaughnessy, Mungo Martin and Willy Seaweed, combined with his own sense of Kwakwaka'wakw tradition. His deep understanding of the dramatic considerations of making masks and ceremonial pieces is reflected in his highly collectible works.

Wayne began carving at a very young age and received a great deal of support and encouragement from his elders to pursue his artwork on a full-time basis. He is a respected singer and a Head Hamatsa dancer, or leader of the initiation process into this high status and secret society within the community. Wayne's historical knowledge and familiarity with traditional practices and oral traditions set him apart as a community leader and establishes him as an influential figure to emerging artists.

In the 1980's Beau Dick and Wayne completed a thirty-foot totem pole that stands in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1998 Wayne helped rebuild the 'Big House' in Alert Bay, the central congregational community structure destroyed in a fire in 1997.

His background and his artwork have been documented in many books focusing on the combination of traditional and contemporary themes, and his art has been showcased worldwide in important exhibitions and catalogs Northwest Coast art. In 2012, he was awarded British Columbia's Creative Achievement Award for First Nations' Art." (Raven Makes Gallery, 2022)

Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection

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#173978

Mask has a few minor scuffs but the painting is otherwise in excellent condition as is the carving and decorative rope. The central visage was carved separately from the surround and is attached to the surround via cords. It appears that it was once also glued to the surround. On the verso is an informative text panel that describes the meaning and symbolism of the sun mask as well as an old price tag from the Vancouver Museums and Planetarium shop that identifies the artist as Wayne Alfred - Kwakiutl and notes that this is a sun mask carved from red cedar. This mask is also fitted with a suspension cord and ready to display.