Masque ,Kwakiutl,Colombie Britannique, Côte nord-ouest

en forme de tête de corbeau, dont le long bec articulé s'ouvre pour révéler un disque représentant le soleil. Très grande finesse des modelés - les narines dilatées, les pommettes saillantes, les grands yeux sertis de plaques métalliques aux pupilles percées, sous d'épais sourcils arqués. Bois polychrome rouge, bleu, noir et blanc, dessinant des plumes et autres motifs classiques.

Collection Eugene Chesrow, Chicago
Collection privée, New York

The piece is in good, stable condition. The original pigments have been enhanced in areas and over-painted in other areas. The round disk in the beak is at least heavily restored and may be completely restored. Acquired from Gordon Magk Bella Coola.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Les Kwakiutl pensent que dans les temps reculés, les oiseaux, les hommes, les animaux et les poissons vivaient chacun dans leur propre monde, ne faisant qu'occasionnellement des incursions dans l'univers de l'autre. Les groupes et les familles Kwakiutl retracent chacun leurs origines en remontant jusqu'aux ancêtres qui vécurent parmi le peuple mythique et reçurent d'un oiseau, d'un animal ou autre être surnaturel, des pouvoirs et des privilèges extraordinaires. Cet être surnaturel les investit du droit de chanter certains chants, d'exécuter certaines danses et de celui de représenter et d'arborer certains emblèmes (tels que ceux apparaissant sur leurs mâts héraldiques).

Le corbeau - à l'origine un être du monde du "Ciel"- constitue l'un des premiers êtres mythiques. Farceur, rapide, rusé, curieux, cupide et espiègle, il est considéré par les Kwakiutl comme bénéfique : il leur apporta la lune, le feu, le saumon, le soleil, ainsi que les jours et les nuits. Le corbeau surnaturel, avec son imposant bec projeté vers l'avant, apparaît fréquemment sur les mâts héraldiques, les hochets et les masques.  

A Kwakiutl raven mask, British Columbia, Northwest Coast

The Kwakiutl believe that in the early days, birds, men, animals and fish each lived in their own worlds, only occasionally entering the world of another. Local Kwakiutl groups and families trace their descent to ancestors who lived among the mythical people, and who had received supernatural powers and privileges from a supernatural bird, animal or other being. This being gave them the right to certain songs, dances and the right to wear and display certain crests, as seen on their totem poles. Originally from the world of the sky, the raven is one of the early mythic beings and an ancestor of local groups and families. A quick, cunning, curious, greedy and mischievous trickster, he was also a benefactor of the Kwakiutl, bringing them salmon, fire, the moon, the sun, and days and nights. The supernatural raven frequently appears on totem poles with his massive beak forward, or tucked down along the line of the pole, rattle, or mask.