Lot 29: A rare and beautiful Tlingit Raven mask

A rare and beautiful Tlingit Raven mask, Tlingit; BC, Canada/ Alaska, USA

The beautifully carved mask with flattened head, large ocular orbits infilled with old traditional blue pigment and black pupils, attenuated beak with a sloping gentle curve, the beak carved to illustrate the upper and lower portions (indicating this was not part of an articulated mask, but is a complete composition), Exceptional in every way, fine age - likely turn of the century or earlier. Some minor pigment loss, but not affecting the piece.

The long thin beak carved in one piece may indicate that this mask was used to depict 'Young Raven' or 'Little Raven' in performance. L. 19 1/2"

Comments:
Property of an East Coast private collection

Provenance:
Ex. Palos Verdes Estate, CA

Price Realized: $18,000

Share or Email This Lot

View all Northwest Coast Lots in this Auction

View all Lots in the Fine African, Oceanic and Native American Art Auction