Iroquois, northeastern North America
19th century
Braided cornhusk
Height 8.5" (21.6 cm); width 9.25" (23.5 cm)
Provenance: Will Channing, Santa Fe, NM
Husk Face masks represent earthbound spirits associated with agriculture, the hunt, and the changing of seasons within Haudenosaunee ceremonial life. Unlike False Face dancers, Husk Face dancers are mute, communicating through gesture, and perform the Fish Dance and Women's Dance during the Midwinter Festival. The Bushy Heads, as they are also known, can be male or female, and dancers sometimes choose masks of the opposite gender for the amusement of the audience.
This mask is constructed from tightly braided cornhusk with a clay or ceramic nose element and retains an attached medicine pouch, indicating it remained in active ceremonial use. The braided technique and compact scale are consistent with Iroquois Husk Face production of the 19th century, with the medicine pouch attachment a particularly intact and uncommon survival. Provenance traces to Will Channing of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a known dealer in Native American material culture.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Iroquois, northeastern North America
19th century
Braided cornhusk
Height 8.5" (21.6 cm); width 9.25" (23.5 cm)
Provenance: Will Channing, Santa Fe, NM
Husk Face masks represent earthbound spirits associated with agriculture, the hunt, and the changing of seasons within Haudenosaunee ceremonial life. Unlike False Face dancers, Husk Face dancers are mute, communicating through gesture, and perform the Fish Dance and Women's Dance during the Midwinter Festival. The Bushy Heads, as they are also known, can be male or female, and dancers sometimes choose masks of the opposite gender for the amusement of the audience.
This mask is constructed from tightly braided cornhusk with a clay or ceramic nose element and retains an attached medicine pouch, indicating it remained in active ceremonial use. The braided technique and compact scale are consistent with Iroquois Husk Face production of the 19th century, with the medicine pouch attachment a particularly intact and uncommon survival. Provenance traces to Will Channing of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a known dealer in Native American material culture.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
