Cherokee booger mask

Q: I recently purchased this mask from a gallery in Rhode Island for $120, and was wondering if it hints as Native American and if so what tribe? Aaron (not the collector), 1069

A: This looks like a mask carved by Will West Long. He was born in the remote western North Carolina community of Big Cove. For almost 30 years, Long served on Tribal Council, where he was instrumental in establishing the Cherokee Indian Fair, among other accomplishments. A good wood carver and mask maker, Long died in 1947. The Booger Dance is a traditional dance of the Cherokee tribe, performed with ritual masks. It is performed at night around a campfire, usually in late fall or winter. This mask seems to have been used in the past 50 years. That car tire strap is perfect. A-

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