Yup'ik masks facts for kids
Yup'ik masks are special masks made by the Yup'ik people in southwestern Alaska. These masks are also called Cup'ik masks or Cup'ig masks, depending on the specific dialect. They are usually made from wood and painted with a few colors. These beautiful masks were an important part of Yup'ik culture and traditions for a long time.
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What Are Yup'ik Masks?
Yup'ik masks are known as kegginaquq in the Yup'ik language. They were carved by both men and women, but mostly by men. Shamans, who were spiritual leaders called angalkuq, would guide the carvers on how to make the masks.
Different Sizes and Uses
Yup'ik masks came in many sizes. Some were tiny "finger masks" or "maskettes" that were only about three inches long. These small masks were sometimes called tegumiaq. Other masks were very large and heavy, weighing up to ten kilograms. These big masks might be hung from the ceiling or carried by several people during ceremonies.
Why Were Yup'ik Masks Used?
These masks were used in special ceremonies and dances. People believed the masks could bring good luck and fortune, especially for hunting. During the long, dark winter months, Yup'ik people would gather in a community house called a qasgiq. Here, they would tell stories and perform dances using these masks.
Masks and Spirits
Yup'ik masks often showed spirits, known as yua, of animals or people. These spirits were important in their beliefs. The masks helped people connect with the spiritual world. After a ceremony, the masks were traditionally destroyed. This was part of their spiritual practice.
How Mask Traditions Changed
In the late 1800s, Christian missionaries came to Alaska. They did not approve of masked dancing. Because of this, the practice of using masks in dances was stopped for a long time. Today, masked dancing is not done in the same way it was before in Yup'ik villages.
Yup'ik Masks Compared to Other Cultures
The Yup'ik people are related to the Iñupiaq people, who also live in Alaska. Both groups have traditional masks. However, Iñupiaq masks are usually simpler and smaller. They often just cover the face. Yup'ik masks are often more detailed and complex.
Some people have compared Yup'ik masks to a European art style called Surrealism. Surrealism is an art movement that explores dreams and imagination. A special art show in New York City in 2018 looked at these similarities.
