Our mask jewelry series is based on traditional Alutiiq spirit masks from Kodiak Island, Alaska.  This collection of traditional Alutiiq / Sugpiaq Spirit Masks are likenesses of original wood carved masks Alphonse Pinart collected in 1871-1872 from Afognak & Kodiak Islands.  Many of the masks were used in ceremonial dances in anticipation of sea mammal hunting and represent characters from Alutiiq mythology.  The masks with hoops represent levels of the spirit world they traveled from.  The original wood carved masks that Alphonse Pinart collected are housed at the Château Musée, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.  The Alutiiq Museum website features a recent exhibit of the masks on their visit back to Kodiak, and two publications on the masks: Two Journeys and Giinaquq: Like a Face.

This shadow box collection, shown at left, features a cedar Temciyusqaq “Skeptical One” Mask, carved by Alisha.