Posted 13 years ago
stepback_a…
(363 items)
I bought this at auction about twenty years ago. It is carved out of cedar wood, has horse hair, a leather strap for wear, and a small medicine bag tied to the hair with sinew. I have no idea as to the age. It has a nice patina, and the red paint is worn in some areas exposing the wood. The inside looks old. If I remember correctly, when I bought it I was able to see part of the reverse side of one of the metal eye pieces by gently prying it up. It looked like it was made from an old can because there was some type of printing or graphic on this side. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated, as well as a value. Thanks in advance.
Mike
Hi, my name is josy thomas an i am native american. i live on six nations reserve Ontario canada.... i am the grand son of the late Cheif Jacob E Thomas.......this here pic of the mask u have is called a false face also known to the six nations pepole as (ho-du-ie) . this is used for a very strong ceramony in my culture......an the little bag on it has sacred tobbaco in it,an is an indacation of that it has bin used for ceramonies be for geting loss an up for sale..........because of its powerful medicine an it being a part of our cultur an ceramonies....it is not to be used for (SALE) but is done so in todays Art area.......an judging by the look an condistion of the wood it could be anywhere between 40 years old an up>but they were origonally made from (basse wood) but since it went into to the art world for sale..Carvers started using (pine wood) from the white pine tree...wich is also a part of our cultre as six nations pepole....I belone to the FALSE FACE SECIOTY of the Own gwhe ho weh pepole an i am from the ONONDAGA NATION on six nations reserve Ontario,Canada............. please E.mail me if u would like to talk an learn more about the mask....my email is gifted.thoughtsgallery@hotmail.com....thank you for ur time....
I can say this. It looks to me like this mask was made to fit a specific person the way the eyes and nose are cut
Greetings.Take a look at William Fenton's 'The False Faces of the Iroquois'.That will give you a clear view of what you have purchased.If nothing else you will see the word Seneca spelled as it should be .Best luck