Name/Title
Palraiyuk BlessingEntry/Object ID
2023.1.59Description
Bronze, wood, sheet metal, and glass sculpture of a sea beast (palraiyuk) in profile, with open maw and jutting tongue, acting as a protective ward of the city. The sea beast's curving body is set with 4 cast glass medallions (red, purple, blue and green) representing the people and cultures of Seattle. Displayed on a post.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Jennifer Angaiak WoodRole
CarverManufacturer
2 Ravens Studio, Katrina HudeCopyright
Copyright Holder
Jennifer Angaiak WoodInterpretative Labels
Label
The palraiyuk is known in Yup'ik lore as a sea beast that would eat people who weren't being careful near water. Its image has often been found on qayaq bottoms and paddles, and it is believed these designs acted as acknowledgment of the beast, a way to say "I know you are there, I mean you no harm, please let me travel through your space." Just as those designs acted as a protective ward for the hunters, this palraiyuk is intended to be a protective ward for Seattle. The glass masks represent the many beautiful people and cultures, especially members of Indigenous communities, brought together in the city.
The post design is based on wooden dolls that men used to carve for the children in their lives. I decided last minute to turn the post around so the face can be seen from the back instead of the front, so it's a little Easter egg to look for from the sidewalk.