$800.00
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Mid to Late 20th Century
13"" x 9 1/2"" wood + 25"" Black hair
False Face Masks (also called Falseface Masks or Hado'ih masks) are powerful wooden carvings central to the False Face Society, a traditional medicinal/healing society of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy, including Seneca, Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Tuscarora nations).
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The masks represent powerful forest or dream spirits, often linked to a central figure known as the Great False Face (or "Our Grandfather"). According to origin stories, this being challenged the Creator in a contest to move a mountain. His face was injured (resulting in the classic crooked or broken nose and twisted features), and he was granted healing powers in exchange for serving the people.
Masks embody these spirits and are treated as living entities. They require ongoing care: offerings of tobacco, corn mush ("feeding"), and periodic anointing with oils or grease.
They are believed to control winds, drive away disease-causing spirits, and heal ailments such as those affecting joints, teeth, ears, inflammation, nosebleeds, or swelling.
Membership in the society (traditionally male members, led by a woman) often comes from being cured by the society or receiving a powerful dream/vision calling one to serve.
Condition:
Very Good
Tribe:
Iroquois
Year Range:
1950 - 1975
Region:
Great Lakes
Dimensions:
13 in9.5 in
Category:
Masks and Headdresses
