Ayap’run Jack Abraham Eskimo Teardrop Mask

Ayap’run Jack Abraham Eskimo Teardrop Mask

Yup’ik artist Ayap’run Jack Abraham, born in 1956, is well respected for both two dimensional art as well as for carved wooden masks. Often dealing with emotional or cultural issues, this mask sheds a tear, perhaps representing all the sorrows faced by indigenous peoples in Alaska.

In Yup’ik masks, the hoop generally represents the cosmos, so the mask inhabits not just the world we’re in, but also the greater universe.

Carved from a very light wood, perhaps basswood, this mask will look great on any wall, with its sharply delineated shapes and colors.

Mask itself is 9 inches high x 5 1/2 inches wide x 2 inches deep. Including the hoop and feathers, it is 17 1/2 inches high x 10 1/2 inches wide x 2 inches deep.

Coming out of a private collection, the hoop has been repaired, though it is not noticeable.