Group of Five Tlingit Shaman Maskettes and Miniature Painted Clan Hat

each maskette finely and sensitively carved, one, with a pair of mice flanking the nose, another with a pair of land otters on the chin, another with exaggerated eyes and protruding mustachioed mouth, another surmounted by a crown of small crouching shaman figures, and another with a grimacing expression; together with a clan hat very finely painted with totemic crest designs. 

Acquired as a group from an Estate by the present owner

Typical wear for age but overall very good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a discussion of the use of shamanic objects, particularly masks, amongst the Tlingit see Wardwell, 1996, p. 109: "They were worn to represent and to enable the shaman to take on the powers of the spirit helper who was being called upon to assist him in his duties. As the spirit possessed the wearer, his movements and the sounds he made initiated its characteristics. Among the peoples of the Northwest Coast, only the Tlingit made masks for shamanic use. Each shaman owned his own individualized set of masks. Emmons  (1991, pp. 376-77) expresses his appreciation of Tlingit shaman's masks as works of art: 'The mask exemplified the perfection of Tlingit art in carving...In the shaman's mask, the Tlingit excels in originality, truthfulness, and elegance of carving." Also see p. 122, no. 110 for a related full size mask identified as "spirit of a Tlingit;" p. 127, no. 117 for another with what are identified as "land otters emerging from the cheeks;" p. 140, no. 139 identified as "bear mask" with "land otters;" And see Jonaitis, 1988, p. 99, p. 36 for a related mask: "Small figures on either side of the nose are mice eating the secret spirits and witches, which they give to the wearer."