Mask - Plains Warrior

Ditidaht artist, Russell Tate hand-carved and painted the Plains Warrior mask. The mask was carved from old growth Cedar.

To qualify as a warrior, and thus earn the right to wear an eagle feather, Warrior youths were required to perform an act of courage on behalf of their tribe. The awarding of an eagle feather, the traditional insignia of a Native American brave, was an important rite of passage into manhood.

9" x 6.5" x 6.5"
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Russell Tate was born in 1966 in Port Alberni, British Columbia and is a member of the Ditidaht First Nation.Russell began carving in 2004 after being inspired by Art Thompson and the artists featured on the television show 'Ravens and Eagles'. He is largely self-taught and specializes in carving masks and paddles in a distinct Ditidaht style.