RESERVED FOR KKARNES Gourd Mask-Silenced Elder

A real kettle gourd made into a gourd mask.

Gourd was grown in Locust Grove Oklahoma by Fred and Verna Bates. It was scrubbed clean, cut and cleaned of the seeds and internal structure. After the gourd was cleaned and sealed on the inside surface I began the slow process of carving and designing the masks persona. 

The facial features were carved and painted, rabbit fur used for hair, bone inserted into gourd ear lobes just as traditional natives use to wear, and cloth was shaped and draped in the style of a Cherokee style turban. Cotton cording used to 'sew' the mouth shut and to create a hanger in the back for display.