Spirit Faces: Contemporary Masks of the Northwest Coast

by Gary Wyatt

These breathtakingly beautiful and powerful masks depict creatures (such as Eagle or Killer Whale), natural elements and forces (such as Moon or Weather), humans, and supernatural beings (such as Thunderbird or the Chief of the Undersea). Masks are an important part of ceremonlal life on the Northwest Coast; they make the supernatural world visible and bring it to life in dance dramas performed at feasts and potlatches, or at winter ceremonies held by secret societies. Some masks embody mythology or history. Others depict shamanic experiences, or are portrait masks that represent personal experience. The most elaborate are transformation masks, which are used to display the transition from one form to another, such as Wolf to Human. At the high point of the dance, the dancer will open the outer mask to reveal another one inside.
The introduction by Gary Wyatt outlines the place of art inside Northwest Coast societies and the place of Northwest Coast art in the outside art world. He also explains the importance, meaning and ceremonial use of masks. Each mask is accompanied by the artist's own words describing its creation and meaning.

Genres: Art

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 1994

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning collection of 75 contemporary Northwest coast masks by 23 artists.

[Rachel Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful pictures. Each art piece/mask has an artist statement. The variety of stories and perspectives were very interesting

[Finn Gecas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned lots of cool stuff!

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the 1995 first American edition. Since I first looked at Native masks in the 1970's at The Canadian Embassy in London (and got hooked on Demsey Bob), I have been fascinated with the masking traditions of The Northwest Coast First people. This has masks by the legendary Freda Diesling, Beau Dick, Robert Davidson, Demsey Bob (drool), et al. masks I have seen but never could afford. Set the tone of my education.

[Steve Wehling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mostly a picture book, but the photography is fantastic. I have had some great opportunities to experience the cultures of Northwest Coast tribes and this book is a beautiful introduction to one aspect of their cultures.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book on contemporary-but-traditionally-inspired pacific northwest coast art.

[Mills College Library]

731.75089 W975 1994