Copper Chief Mask

The paint on this mask is made of powdered oxidized copper–achieving a perfect verdigris color–and the copper designs are meticulously textured and tacked into place. The composition and placement of the copper shapes are based on the designs of historic Clayoquot masks.

Copper Chief mask was inspired by the artists and master carvers of the Tla-O-Qui-Aht ancestors. I was born to them and have dedicated my life to preserving their refined and masterful style of design and form in paint and wood. Their long hard work and intellect deserves my commitment.
If it dies and fades away after me there’s not much I can do about that, but it’s not going to die and fade away before me.
I AM TLA-O-QUI-AHT! AND MY NAME IS TLA-KISH-WA-TOWA.

-Joe David, 2015