Kindred Spirit Masks

Kindred Spirit Masks

Kindred Spirit Mask Native American Indian Masks such as our Kindred Spirit masks have been part of dance regalia and traditional ceremonies in many Indian tribes since ancient times. The most notable of the native mask-makers were the Northwest Coast Indians, who are well known for their carved elaborate cedar dance masks. The most impressive of these masks could be opened at a pivotal point in a story to reveal a second face carved within the first one. The Hopi and other Pueblo Indians carved and painted wooden Kachina masks for their traditional dances. The Iroquois Indians created sacred masks called "false face" masks from wood and cornhusks. The Apache and Navajo make leather masks for dancing, and the Cherokee would handcraft masks from gourds for storytelling. Cherokee mask art has been declining since the forcible removal of the Cherokees to Oklahoma. Because their traditional mask materials were not available, some artists are working to revive the tradition. Northwest and Southwestern mask carving remain a vibrant part of contemporary native culture.

Today, most American Indian masks are used for decoration, dances, cultural drama, and as crafts for sale. There is an exception which is the Haudenosaunee false faces of the Iroquois, which are only used in internal religious rituals. The Iroquois consider it sacrilegious to sell, mimic, or publicly display a sacred false face mask. They have been petitioning museums to return false faces now in their exhibits. There is also a debate among Haudenosaunee traditionals about the unacceptable sale or display of any false face, or just those that were used in religious ceremonies. The masks used in religious ceremonies are called "live" spirit masks. Some Iroquois carvers carve "non-live" masks that are made for sale, and others disapprove of this. In any belief system, individuals do not always share the same religious interpretations. Although, all Iroquois believe it’s profaning the Iroquois religion to buy or view living masks, including antique Indian masks, or non-native forgeries of Iroquois false face masks.

Our collection of Kindred Spirit Masks includes limited edition Indian warrior masks adhered to a wood base called a wall mount. These impressive wall mounts were created by the Native American artists Black Wolf and Super Moon. The handmade warrior mask wall mounts are decorated with vibrant colored paints, coyote tails, horse mane, feathers, antlers, bison mane, and leather. The piercing eyes make them look lifelike. These Native American Indian kindred spirit masks would be a unique addition to your home decor.