Lot 52
52
A HEILTSUK MASK

Details
A HEILTSUK MASK
Of naturalistic proportions, with pierced eyes, distinct nose with pierced nostrils, and open mouth protruding lips, details incised and painted in black, red and blue pigment, alternating red and blue curved lines radiating from the forehead down the temple to the cheeks, black pupils and brows, black curving mustache and red lips
11½in. (29.2cm.) high

Lot Essay

Although the being represented by this mask has not been identified, Brown (1996) suggests that it may portray "a particular personage or ancestor spirit being who may have functioned as a speaker." He attributes it to the British Columbia mainland area between River's Inlet and the Haihais territory.