MASK
38" Gitxsan Shaman Mask (Horned)
STATUS : Private Collection
This Sun Mask brings together the Killer Whale and the Sun, representing the connection between the ocean, the rivers, and the people who have relied on them for generations. The Killer Whale is a symbol of leadership, family, and protection, while the Sun represents life and the continuing cycles of nature.
The Killer Whale design is worked throughout the face of the mask. The whale’s tail is carved into the chin, the dorsal fin rises from the forehead, and the whale’s head is formed along the side of the face. Together these elements create a single design that can be viewed from different angles while still remaining part of the Sun.
Abalone shell has been inlaid into the rays, adding light and contrast while allowing the cedar to remain the focus. The carving is shaped and assembled by hand using traditional carving methods. Each ray is individually fitted with hand-carved wooden pegs rather than nails or screws.
The mask shows how the Killer Whale can be carried through the complete Sun design rather than appearing as a separate figure. The construction and symbolism work together, connecting the carving to the water, family, leadership, and the natural cycles represented by the Sun.
Artist
Rupert Jeffrey
NATION
Gitxsan Nation
CATEGORY
Mask
MATERIALS
Cedar; abalone shell; traditional paints
DIMENSIONS
STATUS
Private Collection
CRAFTED FOR YOU
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