Description
A fine rare old Northwest Coast Kwakiutl Ceremonial late 19th Century bear form headdress mask. Carved from cedar with red, black and white pigments and animal fur attached to top of head. The lower jaw is attached with hide strips and cordage to allow to open and close. Classic form typical of the period. This type of mask was used in the winter ceremonial dancing season and part of the Hamatsa rituals. Rarely seen outside of a museum setting. See photos of similar examples house in the Museum of Anthropology UBC. Provenance Sotheby’s NY Nov 30 1995 .Estate of Dr. George C Kennedy Kennedy
