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Northwest Coast Vintage Sea Ghost Mask

$ 343.2

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Provenance: Purchased in 1966. No other information available
  • Origin: Northwest Coast
  • Artisan: unknown
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Tribal Affiliation: Nuu-chah-nulth
  • Handmade: Yes

    Description

    SEA GHOST MASK “PUKMIS”
    This spectacular vintage mask is a supernatural representation of a ghost figure known amongst almost all of the First Nations groups along the Northwest Coast of British
    Columbia and is called
    Pukmis
    by the Nuu-chah-nulth
    (but is also known as Bukwis, Bak’wis, Pugwis or Pu Gwis by other indigenous Northwest Coast tribes)
    Pukmis is associated with the spirits of those who have drowned and is called “The Man of
    the Sea”  The Kwaikiutl describe him as a skeletal, long-haired wild man living in an invisible house in the forest and who attracts the spirits of those who have drowned with his eery
    wind-like moaning suggested in this mask with his pursed lips.  He also attempts to persuade humans to eat ghost food so that they will become like him and children are taught to be wary of him.
    This impressive mask is believed to be a vintage native carving circa 1940 and is made from Carved and Polychromed Cedar, Dried Grasses, Ermine Pelts, Fur (bear???) and an Eagle Feather
    Dimensions:
    Height:
    38

    overall
    Mask:
    9-3/8

    h x 6-1/2”
    Width:
    17-3/4’ from the tip of the Eagle feather to the Ermine pelt on the right.
    The mask’s condition is in very good vintage condition with one end of the fur being shorter over the left eyebrow. (see photos)  It will be extremely well-packaged so that no damage
    occurrs during shipping.
    PLEASE BE ADVISED
    ...
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