Ancestor Mask

Carved in the form of a human face, this outstanding mask likely depicts an important ancestor. Small diamond-shapes eyes are set below bold black eyebrows, bulbous nostrils and a wide, slightly opened mouth. Subtle relief carving suggests sunken skin around the eyes and cheekbones as well as nasolabial folds. The entire surface is painted with bluish-green, black and red designs which relate to the elaborate face paintings worn during important social and ceremonial occasions. Superbly carved and painted, the present mask is exemplary of Heiltsuk art.