Spirit Masks - mixed media wearable masks

I created these masks from available materials that include minerals collected from rock-hounding excursions, ash from Mt. St. Helens, antique abalone, dyed strips of fabric from old blue jeans, and whatever else I could think of that would achieve the desired effect. The bison spirit mask is now owned by a friend of mine of Cree Indian descent, who has worn it at drumming circles, and other events. The allure of the "false face" is very strong, and the personality of the wearer of a mask seems to be transformed in curious and unpredictable ways. All of these can all be worn, but most of the time they serve as decorative conversation pieces.