Mask

Yup'ik artist

19th century

Wood, feathers, pigment

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A wooden mask with a carved face and attached feathers is displayed against a neutral background. The mask has a circular inset with carved eyes, nose, and a downturned mouth, surrounded by a white painted rim. Yup'ik people have long maintained an annual cycle of ceremonies and festivals, passing Arctic nights in storytelling, singing, and dramatic masked performances. The purpose of these events is to enlist spiritual aid for survival in the harsh climate. They also build community feeling and a sense of cooperation. Many songs and dances are about success in hunting, an important concern. <P>Shamans organize ceremonial dances and the carving of dance masks, which are made by men. Past Yup'ik artists had only a few materials, like driftwood, bone, fur, and feathers, but they used them skillfully, developing the spare, expressive style se