North America, Pacific Northwest (USA and Canada), Native American, Haida or Tlingit peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A finely carved and painted wooden mask depicting an expressive visage of a beaver. The details are skillfully carved in relief and painted in hues of red, black, and green that contrast beautifully with the natural earthtones of the wood. Atop the visage are cedar shavings representing the beaver's furry coat. Size: 6.375" L x 7.5" W x 9" H (16.2 cm x 19 cm x 22.9 cm); 13.5" H (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

In the Northwest, the beaver is regarded as strong-willed and determined as well as a builder, dreamer, protector, and overseer who has inspired many legends. One Haida story, for example, tells of a respected hunter who resided along a river, and traveled to find new hunting terrain with his wife. After several days, the hunter decided to build a home for himself and his wife. Once finished building the home, the hunter told his wife that he would leave for two days and one night - and that he would be back before the second night. This happened, and he and his wife were happy. Eventually the hunter left once again, only this time it was for a significantly longer period. While the hunter was away, his wife kept herself busy by swimming in a nearby stream. Eventually the hunter returned, and the couple was happy. In time the hunter's wife became pregnant, and the hunter decided that she was happy being alone; so he set off on an even longer hunting trip. While he was gone, his wife spent much time in the creek; it was a shallow creek, so she decided to build a dam from the leftover wood from their house. In time, the dam created a lake, where she enjoyed swimming all day long. She next built a room in the dam where she could rest during the day, and at night she would go back in the house. Since the child was coming due, the hunter decided to come home from his trip. However, when he looked around for his wife, she was nowhere to be found. He looked for her all around the lake and the creek when suddenly, a zoomorphic figure emerged from the lake. It was a strange animal to the hunter - gnawing a stick in its mouth. Beside the animal were two smaller ones, who were also gnawing sticks. Eventually the largest one spoke, declaring, "Do not be sad! It is I, your wife, along with your two children. We have returned to our lovely home in the water. Now that you have seen me, you shall use my image as a crest."

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#133496

Expected surface wear to wooden mask with slight pigment losses as shown, but imagery is overall quite vivid. Minor wear/loss to cedar "fur" but most remains. Old inventory label numbered "20" attached to verso.