Serpent Dancer Mask
Red Cedar, Cedar Bark, Horse Hair, Decorative Feathers, Custom Wall Bracket
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SOLD
EXHIBITION:
Masters of Disguise III: A Group Mask ExhibitionThis mask shows the head of a dancer wearing a serpent headdress. The proper Nuu-chah-nulth names for these types of headdresses are Hinkeets or Heel-ikks-uubbs. This mask was inspired by a headdress that was owned by Patterson’s grandfather.
“My uncles, from the village of Ditidaht, used to dance these headdresses in the early 1900s. When they are danced they have a lot of strength, and with this comes responsibility. There is always certain protocol. Before the dance may begin the floor is cleansed with a prayer song.
I worked on this mask all through Christmas 2014. While everyone else did their Christmas thing, I focused on carving. It felt like I came into another place, I focused so hard.”
-Tom Patterson