Qaluyaarmiut - Yup'ik - Nelson Island Eskimo.
(For dance festival).
The Kevgiq Festival is theYup'ik version of the European pilgrims in America giving thanks to the Creator for all that has been provided. It is a time of sharing, giving and socializing. A messenger from a village was sent on foot to another village to invite them for a time of festivities.
Alternating the invitation between villages insured sharing of love with relatives and in-laws and created new relations with those coming of age into adulthood. Unselfish giving of gifts insured the future success of a bountiful harvest and bestowed great honor upon the village hosts.
Some messengers had the ability to transform, to change their forms to assist them in carrying out their honorable duties. It was a great privilege to present an invitation. Some could go by land, some by water and some by air. This was not at all related to the feared demon worship, for good people were also bestowed with powers to do good works.
This one was the Owl Messenger (Snowy Owl).
Red Cedar
$2500.00

Special Note: All purchases of masks should be made to: Mary Kailukiak, Box 37145 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637.
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