The Whistler

Collage, Size: 11"x20"

I have a small mask in my hallway of The Whistler who was a trickster and one of the Iroquois False Face Healing Masks used to scare away evil spirits. I believe the original legend has to do with a struggle between a huge man and the Great Creator when they met in the Rocky Mountains. The huge man lost the fight and was disfigured as a result - the lesson being that arrogance does not pay. There are many different expressions given to masks originating from this legend (Broken Nose and Crooked Mouth, Tongue Protruding etc.) and I greatly respect these images and love their honesty and humour.