Description:

Native American / First Nations, Canada, Ontario, Iroquois, ca. late 20th to 21st century CE. An expressive soapstone mask carved with a grotesque face and attached horsehair, the stone is quite heavy, and a copper suspension ring is securely mounted to the back. This decorative piece was based on the traditional Iroquois masks of the "False Face Society." The verso is signed with an "S" with a vertical dash through the center. Size: 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm)

The False Face society arose from a Iroquois 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. Traditionally masks that represented his broken nose were worn by members that were either initiated or those cured by a "secret" medicinal society that healed and maintained the community's well-being.

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection

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#185937

    Condition:
  • Some minor surface nicks and scuffs to the stone on high pointed areas, otherwise intact. Signed with a stylized "S" on the verso. Artist is unknown.

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January 9, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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