Headdress depicting a Mosquito by Francis Horne, Coast Salish

Headdress depicting a Mosquito, 1999by Francis Horne, Coast Salish First Nationalder, feathers, pigment, red cedar base26” high (on stand) x 12” wide x 14” deep In the Northwest Coast culture, Mosquito is viewed as a mischievous creature put on this earth as a necessity for the balance of nature, but a torment to humankind. Some legends feature man eating mythical creatures, such a dzonokwa (wild woman of the woods) transforming into mosquitoes in order to continue to torment humans after their death. The prickly nature of these insects is reflected in this mask's adornment with prickly shaped feathers.Francis Horne was born on October 18, 1954 in Mount Vernon, Washington, and raised in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada. He began carving in 1972 and credits the late Simon Charlie, an accomplished artist and prominent Chief, as an influential mentor. Largely self-taught, Francis gained his knowledge and mastery of carving and design through study of the Salish art form. Francis has been