REMARKS:
In the 19th century, masks and dance were an important aspect of cultural expression in Alutiiq villages. Particularly during the winter ceremonies, they were an integral part of performances which enacted legends and myths, and communicated knowledge and values considered critical to the well-being of community members. Some masks were believed to have a transformational power that facilitated communication with the spirit world, while others represented, often with humor, legendary figures or mythical characters. Only part of this mask remains, some of it charred. Frequently masks were burned at the conclusion of ceremonies.

-Dee Hunt

CATALOG NUMBER:

90466

OBJECT TYPE:

wooden mask

ACCESSION NO.:

14024 (1884)

YEAR COLLECTED:

1883

FIELD NUMBER:

112

GROUP NAME:

None given

GROUP NAME RECORDED BY FISHER:

NOT SPECIFIED

LOCATION:

Sigtunaq (Sitkinak Island, Kodiak)

LOCATION RECORDED BY FISHER:

SITCHNIAK IS., KODIAK

NATIVE LANGUAGE TERM:

possibly *agayullquutet or aqayullquutat

NATIVE LANGUAGE TERM RECORDED BY FISHER:

A-AI-JULCH-GU-DIT

DIMENSIONS:

H=31 cm; W(est)=18 cm, T=12 cm