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This mask honors the unbroken spiritual and emotional connection between present day Indigenous peoples and our ancestors. It also honors the spiritual bond between Yup'ik people and seals. Seals have always been an important source of food and materials but our stories also tell us that they are important teachers showing humans correct ways of living and checking in to see if we are following their guidance.
The design is based on a historic style representing a hunter wearing a visor when out in a qayaq. The visor helped block the glare from the sun, but it is also believed to have helped the hunter look like a bird so a seal would be more likely to approach. The post design is based on the Rock People found on the hills of Tununak, AK. I wanted this mask to look old, so the colors are worn through, just as old masks have often been found.Label
This mask honors the unbroken spiritual and emotional connection between present day
Indigenous peoples and their ancestors. It also honors the spiritual bond between Yup’ik
people and seals. Seals have always been an important source of food and materials,
but Yup’ik stories also tell us that they are important teachers, showing humans correct
ways of living. The design is based on a historic style representing a hunter wearing a
visor when out in a qayaq.