71. Chief Black Tongue
Title: Chief Black Tongue
Date: 1986 (According to Presentation Portfolio II entitled: NORMAN SUMNER GREEN)
Subject: Head of tribal chief
Measurements: 7 ½” W x 7 ½” D x 20 ¾” H
Materials and Techniques: Wooden forms, wood painted black, white rope
Description: A variety of curved wooden forms represent a chief’s face in profile. The basic structure of the face is formed from one large wooden shape. Additional wooden forms are attached, representing the chief’s ears, nose, and forehead. A painted black, curved wooden form ending in a point represents his tongue. It protrudes outward from a recess in the main piece of wood that represents his mouth. A white rope represents the chief’s hair. The top of the rope is knotted, and attached at the knot to a small wooden cube on the chief’s head until it reaches his ear. The rope is attached along the profile of the chief’s head. The remaining rope is unbraided, and dangles from the back of his head to the base of the piece. The base is a cylindrical wooden form.
Signed: None