Giyema (Athabascan Mask), Anchorage Museum ~ Anchorage, Alaska
Perhaps inspired by their neighbors the Yup'iit, the Deg Hit'an & Holichuk Athabascans carved a variety of masks that play an important role in ceremonial life. The masks represent various animals & their spirits. Dances & songs are composed & performed in honor of these animals, to give thanks for an abundance of fish or game, & with the intention of securing similar harvest in the future.
Billy Williams, Athabascan, mid 20thc.
Wood, Paint, Feather
Giyema (Athabascan Mask), Anchorage Museum ~ Anchorage, Alaska
Perhaps inspired by their neighbors the Yup'iit, the Deg Hit'an & Holichuk Athabascans carved a variety of masks that play an important role in ceremonial life. The masks represent various animals & their spirits. Dances & songs are composed & performed in honor of these animals, to give thanks for an abundance of fish or game, & with the intention of securing similar harvest in the future.
Billy Williams, Athabascan, mid 20thc.
Wood, Paint, Feather