North America | Alaska
Yup’ik Mask
Alaska
Shaman mask
Yup’ik
Nunivak Island, Alaska
Circa 1930s
Carved wood, pigments and feathers
Height: 42 cm – 16 ½ in.
Provenance
Collection Etzel, Los Angeles
By descent Susan Etzel, Kansas
Collection Franck Marcelin, Aix-en-Provence
Nunivak Mask Etzel 42 cm / Galerie Flak
Price: on request
“It is clearly evident that the mask, as a 'hypnotising instrument', 'condensing the organic subconscious', derives all of its virtues from the disturbance it has been designed to provoke.”
André Breton, "Phénix du masque (Phoenix of the Mask)", 1960
Masked ceremonies held a predominant place in the daily life and culture of Eskimo peoples. They were organized in particular before the men set out for fishing or hunting expeditions, in order to appease the spirits governing the animal world. During these ceremonies, the shaman entered into communication with the spirit world through trance, guided by his spirit animal.
André Breton, "Phénix du masque (Phoenix of the Mask)", 1960
Masked ceremonies held a predominant place in the daily life and culture of Eskimo peoples. They were organized in particular before the men set out for fishing or hunting expeditions, in order to appease the spirits governing the animal world. During these ceremonies, the shaman entered into communication with the spirit world through trance, guided by his spirit animal.
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