TWO NORTHWEST COAST KWAKWA?KA??WAKW FIRST NATION WOODEN RATTLES. Set of two wooden rattles from the Northwest Coast and likely from the Kwakwa?ka??wakw (formerly Kwakiutl) First Nation. They are used in dances, songs, and spiritual practices One of the rattles (according to its tag) was made by artist STEVEN BRUCE, Nation: "Kwakiutl" (Kwakwa?ka??wakw), Location: "B.C." (British Columbia). The Human/Mask Rattle (Right) is likely a depiction of a Chief, Shaman, or Ancestor figure, or perhaps a specific Spirit Being or Mask used in Kwakwa?ka??wakw ceremonies. The eyes and mouth are inlaid with iridescent Abalone shell (or mother-of-pearl).
ARTIST PROFILE: STEVEN BRUCE (STEPHEN BRUCE) is a well-known contemporary Kwakwa?ka??wakw artist born in 1968 in Alert Bay, British Columbia. He is from the 'Namgis Tribe and trained with prominent carvers like Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred. - Height: 10 inches. Estimate $200-300
