#28 • Monumental Double Crooked Beak Mask – John Livingston
Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)
High bid $3,600.00
Status: Sold
Category: Art
A monumental four-faced Northwest Coast mask by Canadian artist John Livingston (1951–2019), signed and dated 1987 on the interior. Boldly carved from cedar, the complex composition depicts a double-headed Crooked Beak of Heaven, the supernatural bird central to the Hamatsa ceremonial tradition of the Kwakwaka'wakw, rendered with four expressive faces and painted in a striking black, white, and red formline palette that emphasizes the dynamic interplay of positive and negative space. Each projecting beak is fully articulated with functioning hinges, allowing movement that enhances the dramatic sculptural quality of the work. The interior is lined with braided cedar bark and the underside is finished with long cedar bark tassels that reinforce the sense of motion and preserve the traditional visual language from which the design is derived. Measuring approximately 80 inches wide by 35 inches deep by 22 inches high, with cedar bark tassels extending approximately 46 inches, the mask possesses an imposing scale seldom encountered in contemporary Northwest Coast carving. John Livingston began studying Northwest Coast art under master carvers Henry Hunt and Tony Hunt during the early 1970s, developing a close relationship with one of the region's most celebrated artistic families. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to Kwakwaka'wakw carving traditions, he was formally adopted into the Hunt family in 2017. His works are admired for their faithful interpretation of traditional formline design and ambitious sculptural compositions. The present example held a special place in the collection of internationally acclaimed sculptor Bruce Beasley, who hung the mask prominently from the ceiling of his California studio and residence for decades as one of his personal favorite works. Its exceptional scale, dynamic multi-faced construction, and commanding visual presence made it a natural focal point within a collection assembled by one of America's foremost sculptors. Minor paint flaking and wear to one hinge are present and consistent with age and handling. Provenance: Consigned directly by the Bruce Beasley Foundation, established by internationally acclaimed American sculptor Bruce Beasley (b. 1939), whose works are represented in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and numerous other institutions worldwide. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the appreciation and study of sculpture and three-dimensional art. 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. Note Regarding Shipping Services: This item is exceptionally large and/or heavy, and may require custom boxing or crating depending on the intended destination and available carrier services. For more information prior to bidding, please email us at Shipping@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com or call/text us at 907.570.7050.
