HENRY ROY
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Birth Date:
Birthplace: Onondaga-Cayuga Tribe, Deer Clan
Roy is an innovative, self-taught, Iroquois stone sculptor who started carving at the age of twelve (12). He particularly liked to visit his paternal grandfather Tom Harris, a fine wood carver who specialized in the traditional Iroquois ceremonial masks. These visits stimulated an early interest in mask making that was given a substantial boost by his father Roy Fish. A renowned local mask carver, his dad had not carved in a while, but resumed his skill when it became apparent that his son was serious about traditional mask making and would benefit immensely from a father’s experienced hints and suggestions. It soon became apparent that Roy was an eager and worthy successor to a proud family tradition of Iroquois mask making an activity he mastered in every detail. Roy carried on with his own unique style for the next four to five years.