Waddington's

Inuit and First Nations Art Select

November 25 — 30, 2023
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LOT 229

Lot 229

Unidentified Artist

Unidentified Artist
Lot 229 Details
Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw, likely: Turnour Island

BUKWAS MASK, CIRCA 1930

wood, paint
11.75 x 8.5 x 5.75 in — 29.8 x 21.6 x 14.6 cm

Estimate $1,500-$2,500

Realised: $2,767.50
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

More Details Below   ↓

Lot Report

Additional Images
Unidentified Artist
  • Unidentified Artist
  • Unidentified Artist
Provenance:

Private Collection, Seattle, WA;
Private Collection, Toronto, ON

Note:

The first half of the 20th century was a period of artistic revival and perseverance on the Northwest Coast. Numerous important Kwakwaka'wakw artists including George Walkus, Willie Seaweed, Mungo Martin, Charlies James, and Henry Speck developed highly distinct and personal styles which expanded regional traditions into collector and fine art contexts. 

The present mask, which likely dates to the 1930s, adheres strongly to a localized style most commonly associated with the Turnour Island born artist Henry Speck (Chief Ozistalis). Stylistic resemblances to the present mask can be seen in an earlier ceremonial Noohlmahl or Fool Dancer mask once owned by Henry Speck's father, Hiłamas (Captain John Speck), catalogued as CMH Col. No. 80.01.009 in the Canadian Museum of History. 

Related Works:

Hiłamas (Captain John Speck) Mask, CMH Col. No. 80.01.009
Hiłamas (Captain John Speck) Mask, CMH Col. No. 80.01.022
Chief Henry Speck (U’dzistalis), Seagull Mask Dancers

CONDITION DETAILS

Overall very good condition. Some stable checking, and imperfections commensurate with age. Possible minor repair to lip.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

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LOT 229
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.