Native American, Arctic region, Inuit peoples, ca. 1940s to 1950s CE. An enigmatic, haunting mask hand-carved in a gently-rounded, elongated ovoid form from yellow cedar. The face has simple features, with small, almond-shaped eyes, a low profile nose with a slightly raised, upturned nose, and a small mouth, the lips very slightly parted and painted a pretty clay red, the same as the nostrils. Arched black lines form the eyebrows and hairline. Immediately below the hairline, following its curve, is a dotted line; this is mirrored across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Three short black lines are painted in a radiating manner from the bottom lip. Size: 6.25" W x 8.75" H (15.9 cm x 22.2 cm); 12.15" H (30.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Masks are part of a long tradition for Arctic and Pacific Northwest Coast inhabitants. Animism, the belief that all living and non-living things contain a spirit, was a major part of Inuit tradition, and in the past shamans wore masks to represent animals and other spirits while performing rituals.

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.

#133547

Pigment has extensive craquelure and some loss as shown. Light patina on surface, especially visible on the black pigment. Small dent on top of the head. Old collection number on the base of the back.