BEAR MASK BY QWAYA (HUTCH) SAM

This Mask, by Qwaya (Hutch) Sam, is carved from red cedar and has been adorned with rabit fur and abalone inlays. There is a crack, on the right hand side of the mask, which the artist has repaired. Qwaya has signed the back of the piece.

Bear 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: $750.00 Cdn

Mask Dimensions

Height: 9 1/2 Inches
Width: 8 Inches
Depth: 6 Inches