Posted 4 years ago
Atomz
(2 items)
Subject: 'Authentic' Northwest Coast dance masks
Artist: Robert (Bruce) Jackson
Tribal Affiliation: Gitxsan
Wood: Birch
Authentic Northwest Coast dance masks carved in the 1980's by Gitxsan artist Robert (Bruce) Jackson. The first mask, titled "the Prince of Frogs" appeared on page 40 of the Gary Wyatt book "Spirit Faces". All are now part of my personal collection.
There are a number of tribes in the Pacific Northwest that continue to create remarkable art for both ceremony as well as commercial sale outside of the origin community. The primary cultural groups are A) North: Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Nuxalk; B) South: Coast Salish; C) Westcoast: Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwak'wakw'wakw; These Living Traditions deserve appreciation, reverence, protection, and support.
But, real Indians don't have beards. Never known them to depict beards in their art.
Hi blunderbuss2: the Peoples of the Northwest Coast did in fact keep mustaches and beards, and do so today. For examples, please refer to images of the early Nuu-Chah-Nulth (Nootka) Chief Maquinna who was widely discussed and famous. Also search out the contemporary Kwakwaka'wakw Chief and artist 'Beau Dick'. Search out Haida, Nootka, and Kwakiutl Peoples. The Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest exhibit tremendous diversity in their customs and traditions and that level of diversity is magnified many times over when one considers all the tribes across the Americas. Masks are a reflection of the people - portraits of locals as well as foreigners. Its pretty cool. Check out the extensive Burke Museum Northwest Coast, historical and contemporary, collection. Regards.