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Artworks
DANNY MATILPI, KWAKWA̱KA̱ʼWAKW
Mask, c. 1972cedar wood, stain, and hair, 5 x 3 x 3.5 in (12.7 x 7.6 x 8.9 cm) measurements reflect dimensions without hair.
signed and inscribed, "DANNY MATILPI / KWAKIUTL / INDIAN [sic]".LOT 41
ESTIMATE: $200 — $300Further images
This mask features the characteristic bared teeth, hooked nose, and pointed, angular eyebrows that identify it as a Bak’was, or Kwakwaka’wakw Wild Man. Bak’was is a supernatural being that is...This mask features the characteristic bared teeth, hooked nose, and pointed, angular eyebrows that identify it as a Bak’was, or Kwakwaka’wakw Wild Man. Bak’was is a supernatural being that is similar to the Haida Gaagiid or Tlingit Kóoshdaa káa, in that he is a feral being who scavenges for food along the beach and attempts to lure people away from their homes to trap their spirit with him. Although there is not a lot of information available about this carver, it is likely that he is a member of the Matilpi family of artists from Alert Bay, British Columbia.
—Christopher W. Smith
Provenance
With Marion Scott Gallery, their label affixed inside;
Private Collection, Toronto;
Estate of the above.
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