Fine False Face Society Mask - SOLD
Iroquois
19th Century
Height 13 1/4" Width 7"
Provenance: Santa Fe Trade
The False Face Society is a medicinal society in the Haudenosaunee, known especially for its wooden masks. Medicine societies are considered a vital part of the well-being of many Indigenous communities. The societies role within communities is to cure ailments through medical rituals, with the False Face Society having power over illness affecting teeth, ears, joints, illness causing inflammation, and nosebleeds. Membership to the society is acquired through being cured of an illness by the society, or experiencing a dream that one must become a member of the society. Members of the society were men, however the leader of the society was always a woman. This exceptional mask retains it medicine pouches and straps for wearing. A powerful and dynamic mask and the finest example I have ever personally seen or had the pleasure of handling. Exceptional!
Iroquois
19th Century
Height 13 1/4" Width 7"
Provenance: Santa Fe Trade
The False Face Society is a medicinal society in the Haudenosaunee, known especially for its wooden masks. Medicine societies are considered a vital part of the well-being of many Indigenous communities. The societies role within communities is to cure ailments through medical rituals, with the False Face Society having power over illness affecting teeth, ears, joints, illness causing inflammation, and nosebleeds. Membership to the society is acquired through being cured of an illness by the society, or experiencing a dream that one must become a member of the society. Members of the society were men, however the leader of the society was always a woman. This exceptional mask retains it medicine pouches and straps for wearing. A powerful and dynamic mask and the finest example I have ever personally seen or had the pleasure of handling. Exceptional!
Iroquois
19th Century
Height 13 1/4" Width 7"
Provenance: Santa Fe Trade
The False Face Society is a medicinal society in the Haudenosaunee, known especially for its wooden masks. Medicine societies are considered a vital part of the well-being of many Indigenous communities. The societies role within communities is to cure ailments through medical rituals, with the False Face Society having power over illness affecting teeth, ears, joints, illness causing inflammation, and nosebleeds. Membership to the society is acquired through being cured of an illness by the society, or experiencing a dream that one must become a member of the society. Members of the society were men, however the leader of the society was always a woman. This exceptional mask retains it medicine pouches and straps for wearing. A powerful and dynamic mask and the finest example I have ever personally seen or had the pleasure of handling. Exceptional!