Featured in this lot is an articulated crane hat from Kwakwaka'wakw artist, Don Lelooska, who was born in 1933, and died in 1996. The crane hat has wonderfully and professionally crafted cedar construction that shows polychrome coloration of red, black, and blue in traditional Kwakwaka'wakw geometric patterns to the wings and face of the crane. the hat is expertly hand carved and decorated. Signed on the inside of the hat is the word 'Lelooska'. The head of the crane moves from sided to side with a string that is strung through the neck, and the wings and mouth open and close with a string that runs through the bottom of the hat. Lelooska was given his name at age 12, when he was adopted by the Nez Perce. It means “He Who Cuts Against Wood with a Knife” and has become a treasured family name that is symbolic of their work. Lelooska and his family were formally adopted into the House of Sewide of the Mamaleleqala and Qwiqwasutnox bands of the Kwakwaka’wakw by Chief James Aul Sewide. With this adoption, the hereditary rights, crests and privileges of the Sewide lineage were bestowed on Lelooska and his family. Lelooska spoke Chinook Jargon, the trade language of the coast, and was a student of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) language. He was also conversant in half a dozen Indian dialects. His study of languages gave him insight into the traditional mind and enabled him to communicate freely with the Old People. The overall condition of this potlatch hat is good with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this potlatch hat are 13" x 19" x 10".*