RIDICULE MASK BY ALFRED ROBERTSON

This mask, by Alfred Robertson, has been carved from red cedar. The carving is extremely deep (particularly around the eyes and mouth of the representation) and the mask has been adorned with authentic horse hair.

The aim of the Ridicule Mask is to mock or shame a rival, thereby enhancing the owner’s status. Ridicule Masks appear divided; one half represented the face of a human, while the other half is blackened, as if charred or burned.

The imagery refers to a confrontation between two wealthy adversaries at a potlatch. The host displays his wealth by discarding large quantities of valuable eulachon oil into the fire, creating a large inferno. As an honored guest, the rival is seated close to the fire, and to move would be an admittance of inferior status and strength. The rival literally loses half his face in order to save face.

Price: $625.00 Cdn.