Owl (kokokhas) Mask

I don't have much information about Eastern Native American masks. It is supposed that  they were used in ceremonies as noted in other cultures. I have seen Wabanaki moon and harvest masks and have heard of healing masks. Wooden artifacts have not survived well in New England nor in Eastern Maritimes. This example is an owl mask interpretation. It is a multi year project. I carved it several years ago as a birthday gift for my son. He has a spiritual connection with owls and hopes to make it wearable. It is heavy so I will remove more material from inside the mask. He plans to transfer handprints of family members to the mask, add lashing details and generally finish it. It is 9”x12”, hand carved from storm tree butternut and temporarily protected with modern paint.

  Patrick Lamphere, “Blackhand”, VAAA, Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi, #65954