Mohawk, Iroquois, northeastern North America
Circa 1920
Braided cornhusk
Height 12 1/2" (31.8 cm); width 11" (27.9 cm)
Provenance: Private East Coast collection, purchased in 1947
Husk Face masks represent earthbound spirits associated with agriculture, the hunt, and the changing of seasons within Haudenosaunee ceremonial life. The Mohawk people, known as Kanien'kehá:ka, the Keepers of the Eastern Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, historically inhabited western New York state and parts of Quebec and Ontario. Husk Face dancers are mute, communicating through gesture, and perform the Fish Dance and Women's Dance during the Midwinter Festival.
This mask is constructed from tightly braided cornhusk with deeply cut eye and mouth openings, consistent with Mohawk Husk Face production of the early 20th century. The large scale and dense braided construction give it a strong ceremonial presence characteristic of northeastern Iroquois mask traditions. Provenance traces to a private East Coast collection with a documented 1947 acquisition date, placing it within the early period of institutional and private collecting of Iroquois ceremonial material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Mohawk, Iroquois, northeastern North America
Circa 1920
Braided cornhusk
Height 12 1/2" (31.8 cm); width 11" (27.9 cm)
Provenance: Private East Coast collection, purchased in 1947
Husk Face masks represent earthbound spirits associated with agriculture, the hunt, and the changing of seasons within Haudenosaunee ceremonial life. The Mohawk people, known as Kanien'kehá:ka, the Keepers of the Eastern Door of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, historically inhabited western New York state and parts of Quebec and Ontario. Husk Face dancers are mute, communicating through gesture, and perform the Fish Dance and Women's Dance during the Midwinter Festival.
This mask is constructed from tightly braided cornhusk with deeply cut eye and mouth openings, consistent with Mohawk Husk Face production of the early 20th century. The large scale and dense braided construction give it a strong ceremonial presence characteristic of northeastern Iroquois mask traditions. Provenance traces to a private East Coast collection with a documented 1947 acquisition date, placing it within the early period of institutional and private collecting of Iroquois ceremonial material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
