Hamatsa Raven

[whitecree]

This is nothing really new. I've been working at this on and off for longer than I care to admit, but it is finally starting to look like I might actually finish it someday.

For those of you not familiar with northwest coast 1st nations carving, this is a Hamatsa Raven mask. Hamatsa=winter ceremonies where a great many people would gather in a longhouse for dancing and feasting on those long, cold winter nights.

The mask is about 5 feet long and about 10" wide and deep. Made of red cedar. You can see where I had to patch it - I got greedy when hollowing it out. Note also the depth gauging holes.

Job for today: Finish patching.

[squbrigg]

AHHH....so that's what you're working on! Well done, I can't wait to see the finished product. Will it be painted or just oiled? Great start on it.

Bob

[Colin-Partridge]

Looks like a great start. I am even more excited to see that someone elses workshop looks like mine. It means I am not the only one.
Colin

[whitecree]

I'll be painting it. Primarily black, with elements of red, green and copper. Bark fringe all around and hanging over the top of the head, a lower jaw that opens so it can snap its beak, and I'm trying to figure a way of putting a light globe inside on a string so if it is ever danced, it can depict releasing the sun.

(sigh) Oh yeah, this means a harness, as well.

I've always figured a clean and orderly shop is the sign of a seriously disturbed mind.



My apologies to those who like to keep their shop clean and tidy...