Bidspirit auction | Tsungani Fearon Smith Jr Hamatsa

Tsungani Fearon Smith Jr Hamatsa Crooked Beak Mask - Tsungani Fearon Smith Jr. (Cherokee, adopted Kwakwaka'wakw, b.1948). Galukw'amhl or crooked beak articulated mask. Composed of wood, pigment, cooper, and cord. Signed ”Tsungani” in pencil along the interior. A crooked-beak mask, or galukw'amhl is an important part of the ”hamatsa” ceremony. The hamatsa masks are used in dance ceremonies and represent the associates of the cannibal spirit Baxbakwalanuxsiwae. An initiate personifies the cannibal spirit during a complex ceremony through which they are tamed and pacified, ultimately exemplifying the appropriate behavior of a high-ranking person. Tsungani, Fearon Smith Jr. or ”Smitty” is the younger brother of the renowned carver Don Lelooska Smith. He creates in all mediums of Pacific Northwest (PNW) Coast Indian art but devotes most of his time to woodcarving. He is best known for his ceremonial masks done in both traditional and contemporary styles. Tsungani is an expert at handling the large, articulated mask and is one of the main ceremonial dancers for his family’s programs at the Lelooska Foundation & Cultural Center. Height: 39 in x width: 15 in x depth: 30 in. Condition: There are splits forming along either side of the articulated elements of the jaws. The applied ears along the top of the mask rest in place, but are not affixed to the head. The suspended cords of hair are somewhat brittle and fraying. There are bends and dents to the applied copper teeth. Tarnishing to the metal components. Some losses and brittleness to the applied palm fibers along the apex of the head.