A FINE HEILTSUK MASK

Details
A FINE HEILTSUK MASK
Possibly a representation of Gagiit, with exaggerated features carved in high relief, with prominent arched brows, distinct cheek bones, projecting nose with flaring nostrils, parted protruding lips, tufts of black bear fur attached above eyebrows, on cheeks, nose and chin, decorated with brown painted rawhide eyelids, details painted in brown and red, adze markings on the interior
11in. (20.9cm.) high
Provenance
Josef Mueller, Switzerland, collected c. 1887
Christie's, London, June 13, 1978, lot 235

Lot Essay

Brown (1996) attributes this mask to the area between River's Inlet and Milbanke Sound. Although he is unable to identify it specifically, he compares it to a Haida monster character called Gagiit who is shown with a "craggy bony face and and shaggy hair" and suggests that Heiltsuk ceremony included a similar creature.

Label in the interior reads: "Photographed and catalogued by Bill Holmes 05/12/81, C-1875 Bella-Bella (Bookwus)."