Description:

**First Time At Auction**

W. "Long John" Smith (First Nations / Canadian, Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth, d. 1991). "Crooked Beak" carved wood sculpture with cedar bark, 1989. Signed with year and title on underside of base. An impressive wood carving of Crooked Beak of Heaven or galukw'amhl in Kwakwala language, 1 of 4 masks used in the dance of the Hamat'sa or cannibal dance done as part of initiation into Hamatsa or cannibal society - the most prestigious society of the Kwakwaka'wakw. Hand-painted in hues of black, white, and red, the massive vizard displays an elongated, curved snout with huge, openwork nostrils, a wide mouth that opens and shuts, ellipsoid eyes with delineated irises and pupils, and a central crest of cedar bark. Aside from the elaborate mask, the figure is draped in additional strips of cedar wood and a red fabric loin cloth as he holds both arms out as though dancing. Size: 4" W x 11.75" H (10.2 cm x 29.8 cm)

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000

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#180640

  • Condition: Signed with year and title on underside of base. Beak can open and close by pulling on small piece of wood on fishing wire that goes through proper left leg. Some minor fraying to bark and a few tiny nicks as shown, but otherwise, intact and excellent with light patina.

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August 18, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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