Kwak'waka'wakw hand carved yellow cedar mask. 12" by 10" The bear is a family crest among Northwest coast tribes and is treated with great respect.
This striking 12-inch high black bear mask is a testament to traditional artistry, rendered in traditional black, red, and green hues. The mask's powerful visage captures the essence of the bear, a creature of profound intelligence and complex communication. Cedar bark trim adds a natural, textured border, grounding the piece in the forest's spirit.
Black bears, often perceived as formidable, possess a gentle and timid nature, revealing their protective, loyal, friendly, and compassionate sides. Their intelligence allows for diverse communication, and their physical prowess is equally remarkable. These creatures can reach speeds of up to 40 km per hour, scale towering trees with astonishing swiftness, and possess a sense of smell capable of detecting scents from a mile away. This mask, therefore, embodies not just the bear's physical power, but also its inherent wisdom and gentle spirit.
Artist's bio provided with purchase.
