IROQUOIS HAUDENOSAUNEE FALSE FACE SOCIETY MASK. Carved mask used in the healing rituals of the False Face Society. These masks are used by the members of the society to represent various powerful spirits, especially the Great World Spirit (or "Our Grandfather"), who helps cure illness and protect the community from disease. The spirit this mask represents is said to dwell in the forest across a stream or river and is depicted with a deformed or twisted face. The twist in the mouth is often said to result from a legendary competition between the Great Spirit and the Creator, where the Great Spirit was defeated by a mountain being moved, leaving his mouth twisted in pain. Estimate $150-250
