Old Iroquois Mask, Ex. Merton Simpson New York
Old Iroquois Mask, Ex. Merton Simpson New York
Origin: N.E. United States and Canda (Provenance: Acquired from a collection in Falls Church Virginia. Originally purchased from noted New York dealer Merton Simpson in the 1980s.)
Period/Date: At least C.1900 (likely 19th C.)
Materials: Likely Basswood, paint, Horse hair/ hide, old nails
Description: This old example has a certain intensity about it. It is brute in style with sunken eyes, broad beak nose, wide mouth, pointed chin and deep broadly-carved wrinkle lines. It once had longer flowing tufts of horsehair, however, there are only remnants of one. The age and surface oxidation on the horsehide and red paint is noteworthy. The mask was likely used in medicinal healing rituals invoking the spirit of an old hunch-backed man. The wood is old and is oxidized, having acquired a varied dry patina on the inside. Small old inventory tags on the inside. In good condition with an old glued mend to the top rim of the mask. Presented on a custom display stand.
Dimensions: Overall Height 11.5” (29 cm), width 7.25” (8.5 cm), Depth 6.25” (1.5 cm)