YU’PIK, KING ISLAND, ALASKA

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Eskimo shamans utilized masks in a rich and complex spiritual life. These masks were not only artistic expressions but also vital components in rituals and ceremonies bridging the human, animal, and spirit worlds. The diversity of Eskimo cultures, stretching from Siberia through Alaska, Northern Canada, to Greenland, is reflected in the varied usea nd significance of these masks. The term "Eskimo" itself is complex in its acceptance, being preferred in some regions like Alaska for its collective reference to Yup'ik and Iñupiat (Inuit) heritage, as well as Siberian Yupik peoples.

Yup'ik masks were used in ceremonies to make the unseen spirit world visible, facilitating communication between humans, animals, and spirits. Shamans played a crucial role in this spiritual dialogue, wearing masks during rituals to invoke spirits for guidance or to exorcize evil ones causing illness. These ceremonies were central to reinforcing relationships between humans and their ancestors, the animals they depended on for sustenance, and the spiritual realm. The creation of masks was a communal effort, often guided by shamans, embodying the spirits that would assist in these rituals.

Inuit shamanism, as explored through the wisdom of the shaman Aua in discussions with explorer Knud Rasmussen, offers insights into Inuit beliefs about the soul, life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Aua's teachings highlight the deep spiritual connections the Inuit have with their environment, emphasizing the role of shamans in navigating the challenges posed by the natural world and the spiritual realm. This spiritual guidance was essential for the community's survival and well-being, deeply rooted in respect for and understanding of the natural and spiritual worlds.

These practices, rich in symbolism and steeped in centuries of tradition, underscore the profound relationship between Eskimo peoples and their environment, mediated through the spiritual insight of shamans and the transformative power of masks.

This mask, with articulated jaw and nineinset wood teeth, represents [_____________.] The surface is painted with black, red, green and blue pigments. Below the eyes are two large teardrop-shaped holes, representing nostrils. A similar mask, also ex Museum of the American Indian, is published in the catalog Yua: Henri Matisse and the InnerArctic Spirit, (illus. p 37), a stunning exhibit of historic Alaskan Yup’ik masks and Matisse drawings influenced by them, at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

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