For your consideration are two carved wood and soapstone Inuit Spirit Mask done by Edward Komakhuk in Nome, Alaska circa 1995. Inuit carved wood spirit masks have been used in Alaska since 1801 to depict the faces of helping spirits and are worn by shamans, or angakok, during ritual dances. The masks represent the shaman's guardian animal spirits, and when the shaman has a strong bond with the spirit, the spirit may allow the shaman to see its face. Some masks have hinges that reveal the face of an animal within the mask, while others do not have hinges and simply show the face. The masks are often made from wood or furred or de-haired skin. They are inspired by visions and tradition, and are carefully hand carved from locally sourced materials such as spruce or cottonwood. The masks are also sometimes embellished with hand painting and rabbit fur. The first and taller one is spilt down the middle showing one side carved from soapstone and the other side carved from wood. It shows a walrus face and tusks carved from wood in the eye of the soapstone side and is adorned with feathers on the edges of the face. It is set on a small wood base and is signed on the bottom reading, "Edward Komakhuk Nome, AK 95". The second and shorter one is carved from wood and shows a slight frown on the face. It is adorned with feathers along the edges and one sticking out of the mouth. It has a larger stand than the taller one and is marked on the bottom reading, "Eddie Komakhuk Nome, AK 95". Both pieces show good condition overall with little to no wear and no signs of obvious damage is noted. The taller piece measures 9 5/8" L x 8 3/4" W x 1 5/8" D, while the smaller piece measures 8" L x 4 5/8" W x 2" D. They have a collective weight of 4 ounces.

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