Codfish Mask by John Livingston

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• Nation: Kwakwaka' wakw art, Kwakiutl art, native artists Vancouver Island
• Artist: Livingston, John (1951 - 2019)
• Type: Mask

20" Carving of a Cod Fish Mask by John Livingston

This Codfish mask by Master Carver John Livingston is just superb artistic craftsmanship. The painting of this unusual mask gives it its incredibly strong expression. Wonderful piece of highest quality! Adorned with cedar bark robe. The eyes are covered with large pieces of copper. The expression is fabulous, the sculpturing and painting are executed in a way only a true master of this art can manage. Easily recognizable as one of the best! Made of aged yellow cedar, have a look at the grain, it's very unusual and just adds to the expression.

Codfish are an important food item for coastal First Nation tribes. Some tribes tell the story that a lunar eclipse is the result of a codfish trying to swallow the moon. Some Native fishermen make a special offering of the first cod they catch each season, similar to how it is done for salmon and halibut. Codfish is used as a clan crest in some Northwest Coast tribes, and can be found quite often carved as masks or on totem poles.

Measurements: Total width incl. fins: 22", Total height: 20", Depth: 10", The fish face itself is 13" x 9.5" x 10

Note: Shipping is not included. Please contact me and I will provide the exact amount for the shipping costs. Once ready to order, you will receive an invoice via PayPal which can also be paid with any credit card.

Photos of This Piece

About This Artist

Master carver John Livingston was born in Vancouver, on the Northwest Coast of British Columbia, Canada in 1951. John started his career at the Royal British Columbia museum in 1965 under the tutelage of the late Henry Hunt and Henry's son Tony...Artist bio and other available works »