Antique Pacific Northwest Coast Carved and Polychromed Wooden Mask, almost certainly Yup’ik, early 20th Century

Antique Pacific Northwest Coast Carved and Polychromed Wooden Mask, almost certainly Yup’ik, early 20th Century, an oval wooden face with recess carved eyes and cheeks, bas relief nose, incised open mouth and pierced eyes, in original weathered brown paint, with red painted eyes, cheeks and mouth. The reverse was roughly whittled. the top/dorsal surface was drilled twice ( at 10:30 and 1:30) to likely receive feathers.

The Yup’ik are a group of indigenous or aboriginal peoples of western, southwestern, and southcentral Alaska and Siberia related to the Inuit and Inupiat peoples. Their masks are famous for achieving an inventive surrealism with only simple carving and limited painting. Few original masks exist as they were customarily destroyed after use. This piece was either an early collection in the field, or less likely an early copy made for sale or trade to sailors or visitors.

The mask remains in very good condition, with mellowed but still strong paint, and structurally sound with only a few shallow surface checks from drying.

Measures: 10-3/4 in H x 8-3/4 in W