Native Art Gallery


False Faces

False Faces

Artist: Cadaha Wenoda

Community: Six Nations Confederacy

Medium: Soapstone

Dimensions (in): W7.0 x H 10.0 x D2.0

Reference: 107582


Regular price $565.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $565.00 CAD
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Cadaha Wenoda

Cadaha Wenoda belongs to the Wolf Clan of the Onondaga Nation, part of the Six Nations Confederacy. Since childhood, Cadaha has been passionate about carving, drawing inspiration from the Elders' traditional stories passed down through generations. These stories are brought to life through their sculptures.

One of the most recognizable designs in Cadaha's work is the Iroquois False Face Healing Mask, which holds deep cultural significance. These masks, often symbolizing Guardians, are considered "Good Medicine" for the Iroquois people. There are various mask designs, including Blower, Spoon Mouth, Whistler, Protruding Tongue, and Drooping Mouth, with the Grandfather Mask, characterized by a Broken Nose, being the most common. These sacred masks are highly respected within Iroquois culture and should never be disrespected, as they are believed to be of supernatural origin.

Legend tells that the False Face Mask serves as a guardian, protecting against evil and unwanted spirits during healing ceremonies. Made to appear ugly to scare away malevolent forces, these masks are also viewed as healers, preventing and curing illness.

All of Cadaha's carvings are crafted on the Six Nations Confederacy of the Grand and proudly made in Canada.