$2,400.00
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Late 20th Century
11 1/2" x 8 1/4" plus hair
The Nootka Ridicule Mask (also called a mockery mask or shaming mask) is a traditional form of ceremonial art from the Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) peoples of the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. These masks belong to a broader Northwest Coast Indigenous tradition of ridicule masks, used as a form of social sanction and public shaming.In Nuu-chah-nulth and neighboring cultures (like Kwakwaka'wakw), ridicule masks served to publicly reprove someone for inappropriate behavior—such as greed, arrogance, stinginess, or failing to uphold community values like humility and generosity. Rather than direct confrontation, the community (or a chief) commissioned a carver to create a mask that exaggerated or mocked the person's flaws, often through distorted features, blackened or "ruined" halves symbolizing moral decay, asymmetrical designs, or elements referencing specific stories or misdeeds.The mask would be displayed prominently during potlatches, ceremonies, or gatherings until the person made amends (e.g., through restitution, apology, or hosting a feast to restore balance). In some cases, the mask might be intentionally damaged or "destroyed" as part of the reproof, emphasizing the high value of artwork and the seriousness of the sanction. Many modern ridicule masks carry teachings about humility, reminding viewers of the consequences of losing sight of community harmony.
Art Thompson (1948 – 2003)
Art Thompson was born in 1948 in the village of Whyac on the southern end of Nitinat Lake. He belonged to the Ditidaht Band of the Nuu-chah-nulth people.
Art was fortunate to be immersed in the cultural life of his people from an early age, when he was initiated into the Tlukwalla society. As a small boy he showed great interest in artistic expression. This was encouraged by his paternal grandfather, from whom he learned the history, songs and dances of his people.
Art graduated from a residential school in 1964, ending nine years of abuse. In subsequent years he became a powerful spokesman in pursuit of justice for others who have suffered similar experiences.
One of the key events in Art’s artistic life was perhaps his 1970 meeting with fellow Nuu-chah-nulth artists Joe David and Ron Hamilton, the latter possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of West Coast traditional art.
From 1970 -1972 Art studied fine arts at Camosun College in Victoria. Subsequently, he enrolled at the Emily Carr Institute in Vancouver, working in both two and three dimensional forms. It was here that Art began printmaking and began to create the striking silkscreens for which he is now so renowned.
Well-versed in many of the artistic styles of the coast, Art developed his own innovative and distinctive interpretation of Nuu-chah-nulth design. Art created a number of large dance screens, which, in turn became serigraphs, while other print images were drawn from drum heads.
Art Thompson’s work can be found in many public collections including the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, The Canadian High Commission in Singapore, and Stanford University in the United States.
Condition:
Excellent
Tribe:
Nuu-chah-nulth - Nootka
Year Range:
1975 - 2000
Region:
Pacific Northwest - and Alaska
Dimensions:
11.5 in8.25 in
Category:
Masks and Headdresses
Artist:
Thompson, Art (1948-2003)
