Yup'ik Wood Mask Depicting a Seal, Alaska

wood, natural and commercial pigments.

Jonathan Holstein
Important Private Collection, acquired from the above

Very good condition with typical wear including some loss of pigments.
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.

Reference: Fienup-Riordan, 1996, p. 88; Ray and Blaker, 1967, pls. 48-49: “Eskimo masks are typically characterized by an abstract and surrealistic quality resulting from their origins in visions. Existing not as carvings in and of themselves, but “as part of an integrated complex of story, song and dance in religious and secular activities,” mask art is mostly a religious tradition, derived from the spirits and created for the spirits by the shaman. These masks were utilized for the maintenance of the proper balance between spirits and human beings, and worn by shaman in their roles as intermediaries, when diagnosing the cause of poor hunting, or some crisis in the weather, for example. Although many categories of spirits were recognized throughout the Eskimo world, each was interpreted differently as a mask, with stylistically similar interpretations within each regional group. In addition to the wide number of religious masks, a small number of secular masks were also created which were reserved for use in festivals.”