UNIDENTIFIED HAUDENOSAUNEE (IROQUOIS) ARTIST(S?)
Pair of Dolls: Bird and Masked Dancers, c. 1990s
the bird dancer: corn husk, hide, glass beads, feathers, [cooper's hawk?] bird head, shells, large bracket fungi, synthetic fibres, yarn and cotton thread, 17.75 x 26.5 x 7.75 in (45.1 x 67.3 x 19.7 cm)
the masked dancer: corn husk, hide, glass beads, yarn, large bracket fungi, ink, and cotton thread: 17 x 14.5 x 10 in (43.2 x 36.8 x 25.4 cm)
each unsigned.
the masked dancer: corn husk, hide, glass beads, yarn, large bracket fungi, ink, and cotton thread: 17 x 14.5 x 10 in (43.2 x 36.8 x 25.4 cm)
each unsigned.
LOT 56
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
ESTIMATE: $350 — $500
From a simple main form the base for something that can be dressed to the nines is created with minimal materials. After moistening cornhusks in water, they are held and...
From a simple main form the base for something that can be dressed to the nines is created with minimal materials. After moistening cornhusks in water, they are held and wrapped together, with a head, arms, and legs eventually taking shape. Edges are twisted over to add bulk to torsos and hips, giving a pose to bodily form. Despite any additions of clothes, hair, and adornments like those seen in the current pair, they are rarely graced with a face. The legends and stories vary from group to group, but many involve a punishment for the sin of vanity. This pair make up for their lack of facial features while being festooned with decorations; Wings and feathers cascade from a beak headdress while coloured yarn pops along a dancer’s body. Coloured beads give more contrast against the husk and yarn, finishing the pair to be quite the sight to behold.
Provenance
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