SIGNED TOM PATTERSON NORTHWEST COAST CEREMONIAL HAWK SPIRIT MASK. Northwest Coast ceremonial HAWK spirit mask possibly from the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) or a neighboring nation. The dominant color is a pale, seafoam green or teal that covers the face. It is accented with bold black stripes (acting as eyebrows or eye bands), red around the mouth and lower face, and a tan/brown on the chin and along certain carved lines. It has a highly stylized, almost human-like face, but with exaggerated features. The nose is prominent, long, and pointed. The eyes are deeply carved and triangular, inset with iridescent abalone shell (also known as mother-of-pearl) pieces for the pupils/irises. The abalone adds a shimmer that catches the light, giving the mask a vibrant, living quality.
ARTIST PROFILE: Patterson, Tom (Heritage: Nuu-Cha-Nulth) Tom Patterson was born June 13th, 1962 in Victoria, British Columbia. He is a member of the Nuu-cha-nuth tribe of Kyuquot on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He began carving in 1977 at the Arts Of The Raven workshop and gallery under the guidance of Tony Hunt Sr. Although he is of Nuu-cha-nulth (West Coast) descent he is also strong in the Kwaguilth style of carving. He also studies Bella Coola, Tlingit and Tsimshian styles. - Height: 10.75 inches. Weight: approx. 5 pounds. Estimate $250-350
