Native American Art by Kwak'waka'wakw artist Shawn Karpes - The face is 13" high and the rays are about 12" long. Hand carved and painted red cedar mask. Traditional design.
On the sun's forehead is painted a dorsal fin and it's reflected in the upper ray. The Orca Whale is a primary family crest in the northwest. Orcas travel and hunt in close-knit matriarchal family groups. The two rays at the bottom represent the Raven.
Raven has existed since the beginning of time. When there was only darkness. He discovered that a Chief had a ball of light hidden inside a box in his house. He disguised himself and found a way to enter the house. When he had an opportunity he opened the box, seized the ball of light, and flew out through the smokehouse in the roof. He deposited light in the sky in the form of the sun, moon and stars.
