Leloosha by Randolph Falk - 1976

144 pages with photographs and bibliography. Quarto (11" x 8 1/2") bound in original publisher's pictorial wrappers. First edition. Don Lelooska 1933-1996 was the chief of the underworld of the Kwakwaka'wakw. Lelooska was given his name at age 12 when he was adopted by the Nez Perce. It means He Who Cuts Against Wood with a Knife and has become a treasured family name symbolic of their work. Just in a Wonderful Don Lelooska 1933-1996 Komokwa Mask.This mask is very impressive, polychrome painted carved cedar with applied copper ornaments, with u-form designs.This mask is signed on verso. I believe this piece passed though Quintana Gallery , Portland , Or.
Komokwa was the chief of the underworld of the Kwakwaka'wakw.This mask is approximately 19" Long x 14" Wide x 7" Thick.
Overall in excellent condition. Just some lite surface marks on the paint can be seen in photo's.
From the Lelooska Foundation web site....." Lelooska was given his name at age 12 when he was adopted by the Nez Perce. It means He Who Cuts Against Wood with a Knife and has become a treasured family name symbolic of their work.
Named Gixken, Chief of Chiefs , an old title, by the Kwakwaka wakw (Kwakiutl), Lelooska is the first child of Shona-Hah and was leader of the family.Lelooska and his family were formally adopted into the House of Sewide of the Mamaleleqala and Qwiqwasutnox bands of the Kwakwaka wakw by Chief James Aul Sewide.With this adoption the hereditary rights, crests and privileges of the Sewide lineage were bestowed on Lelooska and his family.
Although Lelooska was of Cherokee descent, he transcended the normal confines of any single tribe.His life was devoted to the quest for knowledge, which made him an authority on the Indians of North America.Of particular interest to him were The Cedar and Salmon People the tribes of the northwest coast.He made preserving their arts his life work. Lelooska s work is highly prized by collectors. He was primarily a wood sculptor, well known for his versatility.His pieces range in size from those that can be held in the palm of the hand to huge totem poles. Condition: Edge wear with fore edge curled and corners bumped else very good.