Lot 17

Lisa Ray (20th/21st century) Algonquin Shawnee Native American "Mask #7" leather ceremonial mask with applied feathers, fur, animal skull, and claws, 1991 53"H x 57"W

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Lisa Ray (20th/21st century) Algonquin Shawnee Native American "Mask #7" leather ceremonial mask with applied feathers, fur, animal skull, and claws, 1991 53"H x 57"W

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000

Starting Bid: $400

(0 Bids)


Description:

Lisa Ray (20th/21st century) Algonquin Shawnee Native American "Mask #7" leather ceremonial mask with applied feathers, fur, animal skull, and claws, 1991
signed and dated. The mask is intricately designed with long pheasant feathers and braided elements.

Provenance: purchased at Feathers Gallery, 2/93

Biography from the Archives of askART:
The following, submitted by Jason Nichols, is written by Tracy Green, representative of the artist.

A resident of Spokane, Washington, Lisa Ray is an artist who creates masks using materials including feathers, fur, rawhide, beads and other objects to depict items from her native Algonquin Shawnee heritage. She specializes in quill and beadwork as well as the preparation of furs, skulls and skins.

In her work, Lisa Ray reflects her own Native American Heritage and has also studied the traditions of other North American Tribes over the past 15 years. She utilizes symbolic elements from these various cultures in a contemporary stye and through artistic mediums to convey Native American tradition and history.

Historically, masks were incorporated into the ceremonies, traditions, and spirituality of many tribes from around the world. Masks were considered to be alive, representing beings that exist in the spirit world. Individuals of importance, in order to communicate with ancestors, connect with and personify spirits, and to transform ones identity, wore masks. Families and clans within a tribe often used masks as genealogical record keepers. Significant events such as a birth, death, victory in battle, or a successful hunt were recorded on these masks. Thus, each item contained on the masks is symbolic, having particular meaning to the tribes. Masks are considered sacred and were made according to strict tribal traditions.

Of her work, Lisa Ray says:

"My initial curiosity and inspiration for masks stemmed from the realization that many of us wear layers of masks to hide emotions such as pain, insecurity, and fear. It is our life long struggle to peal away the masks to allow our true, unencumbered self shine through. In some small way I believe my creations bring us to this realization and allow us to begin the process of shedding our masks. My creativity is driven from my spiritual connection to a power greater than ourselves as well as my appreciation for indigenous cultures. I am successful when I orchestrate the symphony of meaning contained in natures elements into a bridge between the voices of the past, the voices older than stones, thus providing an awareness and connection with Native American history, tradition and spirituality. Through my masks, I strive to visually make intangible concepts and meanings, tangible."


Her work is in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.

  • Dimensions: 53"H x 57"W

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500