#96 • Northwest Coast Mirrored Moon Mask – John Livingston

Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $850.00

Status: Sold

Category: Ethnographic Objects

A Northern Wakashan-style moon mask carved from yellow cedar by John Livingston (Canadian, 1951–2019), signed en verso. Created as a study after a historic Pacific Northwest Coast example formerly held in the Royal British Columbia Museum, the mask combines traditional formline design with an unusual mirrored surround that dramatically amplifies its visual presence. The deeply carved face is painted in a bold palette of red, blue, black, and natural cedar, with an expressive open mouth and mirrored eyes framed by powerful Northern Wakashan-style formline motifs. A broad circular border incorporates a series of individually set mirror panels, reflecting light and recalling the ceremonial brilliance of historic Northwest Coast regalia while creating a striking sculptural composition. Several of the mirror panels display stable fractures, possibly intentional as part of the design. John Livingston studied under master carvers Henry Hunt and Tony Hunt during the early years of his career at the Royal British Columbia Museum before later being formally adopted into the Kwakwaka'wakw by the renowned Hunt family in 2017. His works successfully bridge traditional Northwest Coast carving with contemporary interpretation and are recognized for their technical precision and strong command of formline design. Signed en verso and accompanied by an inscription identifying the work as a study of an "old moon with mirrors" in the Royal British Columbia Museum collection. Measures approximately 13.25 inches wide by 4 inches deep by 14 inches high. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this lot will be donated to the Kwakwaka'wakw First Nations Primary Care Centre, supporting healthcare and community wellness initiatives for Kwakwaka'wakw communities.