Lot 67A
**First Time At Auction**
Native American / First Nations, Canada, Ontario, Iroquois, ca. late 20th century CE. An evocative, hand-carved wood "False Face Society" mask representing a person inflicted by smallpox or measles with inlaid bone eyes and long, braided corn husk hair. The white-painted vizard displays stylized features with a large, bent nose and projecting lips held open. This mask was worn by members that were either initiated or those cured by a "secret" medicinal society that healed and maintained the community's well-being. Traditionally the mask maker walked through the forest until inspired by the ancient ancestor, Ethiso:da', and the mask is carved out from a living tree which imbues the wood with a life force. Size without corn husk hair: 6.6" W x 10.6" H (16.8 cm x 26.9 cm); with corn husk hair: 10.5" W x 28" H (26.7 cm x 71.1 cm)
The mask's grotesque visage is from a myth - the Creator challenged Ethiso:da' (Hado'ih) to a mountain moving competition, but Ethiso:da' was hit in the face- his nose broken and distorted. The Creator appointed Ethiso:da' as a protector and healer to his people, but banished him to caves to only heal through dreams due to his disfigured face.
Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.
Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000, acquired in Upstate New York, USA
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#180542
- Condition: Light surface wear with some nicks and fraying of corn husk hair as shown. A few stable hairline fissures to wood. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice preservation of pigments.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |