Robert Rivera is a self taught New Mexico artist that popularized the transformation of natural dried gourds into painted vessels & mixed media sculptures with southwestern flair. He draws artistic inspiration from both ancient & contemporary indigenous cultures of the region. He began creating gourd art in the 1970's & is very prolific! This is one of his earlier masks that features three Mudhead Kachina faces, which are characters drawn from Pueblo culture. The textural surfaces resemble rusty metal. The three faces have gorgeous natural feathers adorning their heads, faded fabric at the necklines & genuine pueblo style earrings made of turquoise & semi precious materials. Long strands of leather fringe dangle from the base. This is signed Robert Rivera, 1999 on the back. It measures approx 10" H x 17.75" W x 3.5" D not counting the long fringe which dangles up to 18" below the bottom edge. It is ready to hang. This is a great example of his early masks that would look great in any collection of southwestern art! 

Excellent condition. Some of the smaller feathers were replaced due to damage. 

PP