Lot 134A
**First Time At Auction**
Northwest Coast, Native American, Canada, British Columbia, Kwakwaka'wakw / Kwakiutl / Kwagiulth, ca. mid-20th century CE. A striking wood mask 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 snout with huge, openwork nostrils, a wide mouth that opens and shuts, ellipsoid eyes with delineated irises and pupils, and a central crest. Strips of cedar bark crown the top of the head as well as fall from the bottom of the mask, serving to camouflage the dancer when worn, while a rope beneath the beak allows it to open and close for additional animation and sound effects. Size: 34" L x 8.3" W x 15.8" H (86.4 cm x 21.1 cm x 40.1 cm)
Crooked Beak, also known as the Cannibal Spirit, is an integral character in the Hamat'sa winter dances and is worn by members during the initiation ceremony. The dance revolves around a young initiate to the society who is kidnapped and taken into the woods by the Cannibal Spirit. The boy, on the verge of manhood, becomes wild and needs a series of songs and dances to tame him. The entire dance tells the story of his capture and return to the human world. As winter dances are highly dramatic and performed inside dimly lit structures around a central fire, the artist has used a variety of techniques to enhance the theatrical effect of the mask. For example, the colors had to be visible in dim lighting, so the artist painted white around the eyes to reflect the light from the fire. Rhythmic designs draw the viewer's eyes to certain parts of the mask - the characteristic curve of the Crooked Beak's beak and the prominent nostrils - and bring these areas to life. The cedar bark serves to camouflage the wearer during the dance. In addition, dancers wear a cape of shredded cedar bark that falls to their ankles, enhancing the effect of movement. Bark also rises from the birds head creating a feather-like effect. Sound is also crucial to the drama of the mask's appearance; the movement and sound created by the beak add surprise and drama to the ritual, emphasizing the voracious nature of the spirit.
Provenance: private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection
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#178564
- Condition: Fraying with some losses to cedar bark, and nicks and abrasions to surface with a few small chips in areas. Otherwise, intact and excellent with great pigments. Beak is still movable.
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