Justus Mekiana, (Nunamiut, Alaska, 1928-2009) "Woman's Face," ca. 1950s to 1960s CE. A captivating mask of caribou hide and fox fur by the famous mask maker Justus Mekiana. The caribou skin is stretched and dried over a wooden mold then peeled off and holds its form, then the eye and mouth holes are cut. Last the fur hair and trim is added; note the delicate lashes around the eye slits! Mekiana is accredited with developing the first mold method using spruce wood with exaggerated carvings to create the facial features. Each mold can exhibit its own strong style that identifies the mask maker. This mask represents one of the earliest forms of the newly developing mask industry by Inuit artisans. Justus Mekiana was a prominent artist that developed highly innovative processes. Size: 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, purchased from Arctic Research Laboratory director Max C. Brewer, Barrow, Alaska, USA in 1961

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#165872

Minor discoloration near woman's mouth, which may be part of the natural hide coloration or drying process. Other small areas of light discoloration from age. Fur and hairs are intact and there is no shedding. The mask is intact and very good!