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Ch’áak’ X’oosht (Charcoal Eagle)

“A form of battle preparation used by Tlingit warriors was to smear their faces with charcoal. This depicts a woman transforming into or from an eagle form. The large labret in her lower lip shows that she is an older woman. This mask honors my paternal grandmother, a Tlingit woman from an Eagle clan. She was a powerful orator and storyteller, who everyone knew to possess a commanding and authoritative voice within her 4’9” diminutive frame. The abalone teeth are meant to symbolize this as they stand in strong juxtaposition to the charcoal face cover. My grandmother was indeed a warrior who spoke powerfully for Tlingit people and culture.”

-Dave Ketah