Northwest Coast Native LARGE DITIDAHT PITCH WOMAN MASK CARVING SCULPTURE

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Northwest Coast Native LARGE DITIDAHT PITCH WOMAN MASK CARVING SCULPTURE:
$565.00

Shipping to Canada and United States 24.00(pictures taken in indoor and outdoor lighting... the true green really shows in the outdoor pictures)This Unique and Authentic DITIDAHT PITCH WOMAN MASK is carved and painted in old growth red cedar, by First Nations artist Russell Tate.It is23\" in height including cedar bark and 12\" in width including the feathers and cedar bark.The mask itself is 10\" in height and 7 1/4\" in width. The depth is an amazing 7 3/4\". An extremely striking piece of art with inlayed abalone shells and crisp clean painting and carving.The pictures don\'t do it justice. It has an extremely powerful presence !!!!

Russell Tate
Ditidaht

Russell Tate is from the Ditidaht First Nation on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. He started carving in 2004, artists such as Art Thompson and the artists on the Ravens and Eagles show inspired him. Russell learned how to wood carved mostly working on his own. He specializes in masks and paddles, but is now working on small poles and miniatures for regalia. Russell has worked with Ben David and Cecil Dawson, and has collaborated on several pieces with Cecil.

Dzunuḵ̓wa, also Tsonoqua, Tsonokwa, is a figure in Kwakwaka\'wakw mythology . She is an ancestor of the Namgis clan through her son, Tsilwalagame. She is venerated as a bringer of wealth, but is also greatly feared by children, because she is also known as an ogress who steals children and carries them home in her basket to eat.

Her appearance is that of a naked, black in colour, old monster with long pendulous breasts.[1] She is also described as having bedraggled hair.[2] In masks and totem pole images she is shown with bright red pursed lips because she is said to give off the call \"Hu!\" It is often told to children that the sound of the wind blowing through the cedar trees is actually the call of Dzunuḵ̓wa. Some myths say that she is able to bring herself back from the dead (an ability which she uses in some myths to revive her children) and regenerate any wound. She has limited eyesight, and can be easily avoided because she can barely see. She is also said to be rather drowsy and dim-witted. She possesses great wealth and will bestow it upon those who are able to get control of her child.

In one myth a tribe tricks her into falling into a pit of fire. The tribe burned her for many days until nothing was left, which prevented her from reviving herself. It is said that the ashes that came off this fire turned into mosquitoes.

At the end of a Kwakiutl potlatch ceremony, the host chief comes out bearing a mask of Dzunuḵ̓wa which is called the geekumhl. This is the sign that the ceremony is over.

ouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada. This area is representative of the Kwagiulth Nation, a tribe that inhabits the southern coast of British Columbia.

Matthew has apprenticed under master carver, Dwayne Simeon who is also a member of the same nation that specializes in mask and jewellry carving. Matthew\'s style reflects traditional Kwagiulth motifs and execution. His attention to detail has made his pieces collectible by locals and tourists alike. Matthew is one of many Northwest Coast artists who is preserving the traditions of his ancestors through his artwork.

Matthew is presently living in Vancouver and carving full-time with Deon Louie & Chris Van Edig. This large handcrafted mask was created from old growth Red Cedar with cedar bark hair and painted in the traditional manner.