North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Western Antique Auction September 11th 2021

Sat, Sep 11, 2021 11:00AM EDT
Lot 460

Northeastern Iroquois Corn Husk Face Medicine Mask

Estimate: $450 - $900

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is this original Northeastern Iroquois corn husk face medicine mask, circa early-to-mid 1900's. This mask shows hand woven and braided corn husk, using different parts of the husk to construct the iconic and traditional patterns including eye holes and mouth holes. The corn husk face masks were used for two traditional reasons, the first being for ceremonial dancers, for blessings and messages to the spirit realm for a good harvest or to prepare people for the "grandfathers" or False Faces. The other reason was to combat evil spirits and bad dreams; these masks were considered strong medicine and would have been kept at home and fed with tobacco before applying the "medicine". The condition of this mask is good for its age, showing no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this mask are 18 1/2" x 16" x 3 1/2".