Ayap'run Jack Abraham Inuit/Eskimo Articulated Loon Mask

Yup'ik artist Jack Abraham created this loon mask with moving parts. The strings on the back move the hands and pull the two black doors open to reveal the face, or the Inua (spirit) of the loon. In days gone by, shamans danced with such masks in dark qasiq's, or men's houses, where the fire cast long shadows on the walls and enhanced the perceived power of the mask wearer.

Abraham is originally from Nelson Island, Alaska. This mask is contemporary, not created for ceremonial purposes; nevertheless, it displays the great skill of Yup'ik mask makers.

Jack Abraham's work is in the collections of the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, Doyon Native Corporation, Smithsonian Institute, Yugatravik Museum, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Center, and the Alaska Native Medical Center, as well as in many respected private collections.

22 inches wide x 15 1/2 inches high x 6 1/2 inches deep