"Taqukaq" - Seal.
Qaluyaarmiut Yup'ik - Nelson Island Eskimo.
This is a goodwill mask made to wish for a successful seal hunting season and also to give thanks to the Creator for having provided a bountiful catch. The whole community benefits from the first catch by each male hunter in the household. It is celebrated through the distribution of the catch to the other households in the community. This sharing of the first catch ensures that everyone gets something. This first catch celebration is a cultural tradition of honor and respect among the families of the community.
The rings around the mask represent Ellam Yua, or Spirit of this World.
$2000.00 White Pine

Special Note: All purchases of masks should be made to: Mary Kailukiak, Box 37145 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637.
Copyright 1998 Lincoln's Homepage. All rights reserved. These photos may not be copied, reproduced in whole or in part by any printed or electronic means, or for presentation on television, the Internet, or film, or in any other way without permission from: Greg Lincoln, P.O. Box 37129, Toksook Bay, AK 99637. All other copyrights owned by artist.