BEAR MASK BY ALFRED ROBERTSON

This mask, by Alfred Robertson, is carved from red cedar. The carving is extremely deep and the colours are traditonal. Paint has been applied to accentuate only the features of the mask. Unlike many Northwest Coast First Nations artists, Alfred chooses to carve all of the lines of his pieces (as opposed to simply painting the datail on), making his creations very collectable. Alfred has signed the bottom of the stand.

Bear is one of the most prevalent figures in crest and shamanic art, as well as in myths. It is considered to be a close relation of humankind, perhaps because of physical characteristics such as size appearance, and expression, and behaviors such as standing on tow hind legs, gathering plants and berries, fishing and nurturing young.

As a close relation, the bear is a link between the human and non-human animal realms, as well as between the secular natural realm and the divine or supernatural. Because of their strength and fierceness, bears are frequently the guardians, protectors and helping spirits of warriors.
Bear is depicted with a wide mouth, lips and teeth; a short, flat, broad snout; short squared ears; ovoid eyes; large, clawed feet; and little or no tail. The tongues is sometimes protruding and extending downwards.

Bear depictions may feature stippled surfaces representing thick fur. Sometimes a grizzly bear will have prominent fangs, while a black or brown bear will have teeth but no fangs

Price: $475.00 Cdn