The stunning Crooked Beak mask was hand-carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ross Henderson. Crooked Beak masks are used as part of an initiation ceremony into the Hamatsa (cannibal) society, which is the most prestigious society of the Kwakwaka’wakw. These traditional ceremonies are part of the thriving Kwakwaka’wakw culture.

Ross Henderson was born in Alert Bay, BC and now resides in Port Hardy, BC. Henderson is a woodcarver who first began carving as a teenager alongside family and friends. He took up carving as a hobby initially, inspired by the work of his great grandfather Gideon Whonnock. In 2005 he began to carve for a living and is now a full-time carver. 

Growing up in the culturally rich area of Northern Vancouver Island, Henderson was surrounded by artistic inspiration. Over the years since first taking up the carving knife, he has worked with other carvers such as his brother, Jonathan Henderson, Sean Whonnock, and Trever Hunt. 

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• 18.5" x 20.5" x 7"
• Handcarved and painted red cedar wood
• Red cedar bark
• Due to the nature of this piece, we will need to apply an additional layer of shipping and handling costs that will not be reflected on the checkout screen see Shop FAQs to learn more.