Native culture and history has been handed down through the millennia by way of oral tradition. Through old stories that we ourselves were told, we have managed to guard and keep an amazingly accurate hold on our history. We in turn pass those stories and traditions on to the next generation... thus maintaining that history and those traditions for the next and future generations.
As an artist, each mask that I carve is infused with the spirit of the animal, being or mythological creature that I am trying to represent through my art.
If you end up with one of my masks, it is vitally important that you feed the spirit within. This is done through a sage/tobacco offering that is placed in a bowl (or shell) and burned. Upon which, the mask and the spirit within must be bathed with the smoke that eminates from the burning sage/tobacco mixture. In this way, the spirit contained within the mask will be appeased and positive energy and magick will be released. In turn, forgetting to feed the mask is something that should not be done... As this results in the spirit within feeling disrespected. This in turn, results in the release of negative energy and magick.
Thus...
FEED YOUR MASK.
Rob Twowolves
Rob Twowolves was with the help of his Elder, able to re-connect with the Creator and The Great Spirit and through carving he was able to re-connect with his culture through the old stories and teachings handed down through the generations.
Today he continues that cultural connection through his carvings... producing wonderful dance and story-telling masks, as well as sheilds and plaques.
"Carving saved me from what could have been a very horrible life... or worse. Through carving, I have been able to keep the the old stories and traditions of my ancestors alive. It is my medicine." Rob Twowolves.
