Carving Masks

Western Red Cedar is the most common material used in the carving of Masks. Alder is also used because of its very uniform texture and hardness. Yellow cedar is sometimes preferred for the lighter color and smoothness but it can be quite difficult to carve. A section of wood, with no flaw in its center must be selected and removed of its sapwood and bark. Using a wedge and hammer the artist cuts the log to the desired size. A rough outline of the features are dug out using a D-adze, chisel and curved knife. Then the back of the Mask is hollowed out leaving a hollow shell larger than the finished Mask. The carver works the details out until the Mask, then sands the wood until smooth.

Painting Masks

In the two-dimensional surface decoration of Masks many West Coast tribal variations exist. Among all groups the significant features of the face-eyebrows, eyes, nostrils, and lips- are painted on Masks in a relatively informal manner.

Use of Colour in Masks

Before the opening of trade with the Europeans the use of color was limited. The Natural Color of the wood and the use of Natural pigments were used to create color. When new colors from the European settlers arrived, mask artists were very conservative and the introduction of new colors did not significantly effect the traditional selection of tribal colors. The principal colors used on Masks were black, red, blue, green, and blue-green.

Black was created by using charcoal, lignite, and graphite. Red was made using pulverized ochers or, sometimes, hematite. Copper minerals were used to create the blues and greens, Yellow was used, but very rarely, and was derived from wolf moss. White often appeared as well, in the eyes, teeth, and small or relieving elements in the Masks.

Black is considered the primary color and the elements painted black can be considered the primary elements. Black was also used for form lines. Red is the color of secondary importance but was sometimes used as the primary color. Red was also used for secondary form lines and accents, as well as continuants of primary designs. Blue-green was a tertiary color. The eye-sockets of a some masks contain blue.

Frog Transformational Mask by Tyron Joseph

Material: Old growth Western Red Cedar, Acrylic Paint

Dimensions: 10" high by 7" wide by 6" deep

Price: SOLD
West Coast Native Mask - White Spirit Mask by Mathew James and Clinton Work

Material: Alder, Cedar Bark and goat hide.

Dimensions: 12" high and 9" wide. Total height is 21".

Price: SOLD
Authentic Coast Salish Killer Whale/Eagle Talking Stick by Brad Starr

Material: Yellow Cedar, abalone

Dimensions: 17.5" x 2.5"

A smaller version of a talking stick. This beautiful handcarved talking stick is by Brad Starr of the Coast Salish Nation. The figures on the stick are of the Killer whale and the Eagle. A piece of abalone shell is inlaided on the uppermost handle. The hand is carved to resemble a spiral rope. It also has a cedar bark tied around the handle. Colors used are black and dark red.

Talking Sticks are used whenever they have a meeting or conference. Anyone has the right to speak if they are holding the talking stick. Others wait for their turn, this way order is achieved.

Price: SOLD
Authentic Haida Portrait Mask by Matt James

Material: Old growth Western Red Cedar, Horse Hair, Copper for the eyes

Dimensions: 12" high by 12" wide by 6" deep. Horse hair: 28".

Matt James is a west Coast Native caver. His Mother is Carolyn James from Cape Mudge. Matt has been carving for many years. His brothers Dwayne Simeon, Carl Simeon and Ed Simeon are also respected carvers. Matt's style is "traditional" Kwagiulth. His pieces can be found in numerous galleries and private collections.

Price: SOLD