Woman with Facial Tattoo Mask

Jonathan K Weyanna, Brevig Mission, Alaska, carved this wonderful mask from fossilized whalebone. The face is beautifully carved and features three inlaid pieces of walrus ivory depicting a traditional Iniut facial tattoo on the woman's chin. The first lines tattooed on the chin marked a girl who had come of age and was now an adult. Tattoos also symbolize moments in a woman's life, reflecting things like marriage and children. More tattoos meant a woman was older with more life experiences.  These life events were celebrated. Jonathan carved two addional pieces of walrus ivory and inlaid baleen for her eyes.

The piece is signed JKW. KTS, AK (Brevig Mission, AK).

Call for price or email arcticspiritgallery@gmail.com.