Mask - Weatherman Mask by Jerry Laktonen (Alutiiq) - SOLD

Jerry Laktonen is an Alutiiq artist who is reviving historic styles of masks and paddles from his Alaskan Native heritage. He has made this particular rain mask in minature, it is carved from red cedar and is lined with water fowl feathers.

 

This weatherman mask is inspired by the traditional rain masks of the past. Explaining his full sized rain mask, Jerry said, "Rainy face design was used on old masks that survived since being collected by Pinart in the 1870s. There were many intricate linear designs on the face as well as symbolic 'pictures' and symbols on both the forehead and mid-face in old masks. There is little known of these designs, as the traditions have vanished due to traumatic changes in the lives of the Alutiiq. Maybe this somber mask is here to help tell the story."