King Island (Ugiuvak), Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Wood
Height 10" (25.4 cm); width 7" (17.8 cm)
Provenance: Faith and Martin Wright, New York
Carved wooden masks played a central role in Inuit ceremonial life along the Bering Strait coast, used in dances and rituals that addressed the spirits of animals, weather, and the natural world to ensure hunting success and community wellbeing. King Island, known in Inuit as Ugiuvak, was home to a community of skilled carvers whose masks are distinguished by bold, deeply carved features and strong formal presence. Masks of this type from the 19th century represent some of the most direct examples of Arctic ceremonial carving to survive in private collections.
This mask is carved from a single piece of wood with deeply cut eye sockets, a pronounced nose, and an open mouth, the surface worn to a rich dark patina through age and handling. The well-worn condition of the carving surface indicates sustained use prior to its entry into the collection, consistent with a mask that functioned in an active ceremonial context. Provenance traces to Faith and Martin Wright of New York, a known collection of Arctic and Native American material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
King Island (Ugiuvak), Alaska, Inuit
19th century
Wood
Height 10" (25.4 cm); width 7" (17.8 cm)
Provenance: Faith and Martin Wright, New York
Carved wooden masks played a central role in Inuit ceremonial life along the Bering Strait coast, used in dances and rituals that addressed the spirits of animals, weather, and the natural world to ensure hunting success and community wellbeing. King Island, known in Inuit as Ugiuvak, was home to a community of skilled carvers whose masks are distinguished by bold, deeply carved features and strong formal presence. Masks of this type from the 19th century represent some of the most direct examples of Arctic ceremonial carving to survive in private collections.
This mask is carved from a single piece of wood with deeply cut eye sockets, a pronounced nose, and an open mouth, the surface worn to a rich dark patina through age and handling. The well-worn condition of the carving surface indicates sustained use prior to its entry into the collection, consistent with a mask that functioned in an active ceremonial context. Provenance traces to Faith and Martin Wright of New York, a known collection of Arctic and Native American material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
