Otter Woman - Red Cedar Mask
Otter Woman - Red Cedar Mask
With horsehair and abalone shell earrings
14" (hair: 34") x 16" x 7"
"In the time of myths there were animals that could transform to human form, and back again. Travelers who met Otter Women would be tempted and coaxed, and if they didn’t resist they would be transformed into an otter, and inhabit the spirit world with her. Like Raven, she had the power of transmutation, and could appear in any form, even a friend or relative, to gain your trust and entice the unwary. In the ancient stories she was a powerful supernatural figure. The traditional stories are rich in allegory and a wide panoply of mystical characters are portrayed in masks and dance among the Kwakwaka’wakw; a tradition which continues today." - David Neel
David Neel
CULTURAL GROUP:
Kwakwaka'wakw
BORN:
April 7, 1960
BIRTHPLACE:
Vancouver, BC
David Neel's crests are Thunderbird and Killerwhale. He comes from a family that is rich in history and artistic skill. His father is Dave Neel Sr., his great uncle is acclaimed artist Mungo Martin, his great-great-great grandfather is Charlie James, and his grandmother is renowned artist Ellen Neel. His widely exhibited work includes jewellery, masks, drums, poles, original paintings, limited edition prints, glass etching, regalia, and photos appearing in several magazines. David's formal training in Fine Arts was at the University of Kansas and at Mount Royal College, Alberta. Following a career as a professional photographer in Texas, David returned to Canada in the early 1990s, and conceived two important projects: one documenting works and images of First Nations elders, and the other promoting the revival of the Northwest Coast great dugout canoe. David's talents are diverse, and he is dedicated to promoting and preserving his Kwakwaka'wakw heritage. In 2019, he was featured in the landmark publication Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry by author Alex Dawkins. In 2020, he published his own book titled The Way Home which was nominated for the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction.
