Shaman Mask

This mask depicts a blind shaman who is dealing with COVID-19. The figure is intentionally blinded in order for the shaman to reach those who have been blinded by the division of our country. In Alutiiq culture, the shaman is an interesting person. They had two main roles and many sub duties, but first and foremost, they were the weather people. You can imagine how important being able to predict the weather could be for a maritime culture! Secondly, they were “doctors” for the village. They interacted with the spirits that caused the sickness or that were responsible for the injury.