First Nations, British Columbia, Alert Bay (near Vancouver Island), Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth, 1988 by Joe Peters Jr. (1959-1994). Signed and dated on the verso. A large Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth Tsonoqua (also Dzunikwa) mask by Joe Peters Jr. Hand-carved from red cedar, with openwork slit eyes, a dramatically puckered openwork mouth, a protruding hook nose, marvelous facial contours, and attached ears, the visage is painted jet black with vibrant red accents. In addition, long locks of horsehair frame the face, and the mask is signed and dated by the artist on the verso. Size: 13.25" L x 12.875" W (33.7 cm x 32.7 cm) - more than 20" L (50.8 cm) with horsehair

Joe Peters Jr. was a member of the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations and came from Alert Bay, a modest village on an island near Vancouver Island. He began carving when he was only six years old. While for the most part, he was self-taught, Joe also learned from his grandfather Jack James as well as carver Dwayne Simeon. In addition, he worked at the Arts of the Raven workshop in Victoria, British Columbia with Tony Hunt and John Livingston. Among Joe's influences were Kwakwaka'wakw artists Beau Dick and Russell Smith. Sadly, Joe passed away at a very young age. He was only 35 years old but had already made a significant contribution to the visual culture of the Northwest Coast.

Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection

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#173977

Mask is in excellent condition save a few very minor scuffs to tip of the nose and peripheries/high pointed areas that are difficult to see. It is also signed and dated on the verso by Joe Peters Jr.