 
- Iroquois "false face"
cane or walking stick. The False Face Society of the Iroquois
was
engaged primarily in healing members of the tribe suffering from
disease or injuries.
Elaborate rituals were performed, often while wearing face masks
fashioned from fresh
tree bark. Masks are found fairly regularly today. Other objects
such as war clubs, staffs
and canes or walking sticks are rare. The faces ordinarily are
quite ugly, presumably
with the intention of frightening the evil spirits believed to
be causing the affliction
away. This cane or walking stick is hickory with a metal tip
and a suitably ugly grinning
face carved in the handle. 35 1/2" long. We suspect that
it may have been owned by
the the tribal shaman. In sound original condition. We carefully
scraped off a number of tiny white and blue paint specs on the
shaft. Circa 18th or early 19th century. (CL-29)
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