**First Time At Auction**

Pacific Northwest, probably British Colombia, Canada, Kwakiutl, ca. mid 20th century CE. An incredible sculpture of a seated elderly figure dressed in a magnificent whale costume. Atop the figure's white-haired head is a killer whale headdress with a mouth full of intimidating teeth and large eyes with black irises, red sclera, and a surround of blue peering ahead. The figure is draped with a black cloak adorned with a killer whale motif that is beautifully delineated with white dots and embellished with a red eye, red teeth, and red markings. The figure sits on crossed legs and bows his/her head downward with closed eyes as if engaged in prayer or ritual. Size: 5.75" W x 7.5" H (14.6 cm x 19 cm)

The Killer Whale was known as the "Lord of the Ocean" who held seals as slaves and dolphins as warriors. The indigenous believe that Killer Whales are related to humankind, and according to legend, when a human being drowns, this human is taken down into the depths of the ocean and transformed into a Killer Whale. In fact, some peoples believe that Killer Whales will intentionally take down entire canoes to get closer to their loved ones. Some also believe that these Orcas are actually reincarnations of former chiefs who were lost at sea. In addition, according to Franz Boas, the Kwakiutl believed that the souls of hunters of marine animals were reincarnated into killer whales.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#155322

Excellent.