Measuring approx 22 x 11.5 x 13.5 inches. This exceptional Northwest Coast wooden storage chest is boldly decorated with classic formline imagery, centered by a powerful mask-like face across the front and lid. The composition is executed in traditional black, blue-green, and red pigments, accented throughout with inset abalone shell eyes and teeth, lending striking visual depth and ceremonial presence.
The chest is constructed of solid planks with finely executed dovetailed corner joinery, a hallmark of quality craftsmanship. The lid is secured with original iron strap hinges and a leather pull tab at the front. The surfaces retain a rich, untouched patina, with surface wear, abrasion, and paint loss consistent with age and use, all of which contribute to the chest’s authenticity and visual appeal.
Boxes of this type served both functional and cultural roles along the Northwest Coast, used for the storage of important personal possessions and ceremonial objects. The confident design, strong iconography, and use of abalone inlay suggest a work made around the turn of the 20th century, likely for domestic use within the community rather than for the tourist trade.
A powerful and highly decorative example of Northwest Coast material culture, equally compelling as a sculptural object or historic artifact.
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