Sewing or Tobacco Box, c. 1880
Yup'ikexpand_more
Wood, pigmentexpand_more
The Driscoll Art Accessions Endowment Fund and gift of funds from Clyde and Mary Reedyexpand_more 2004.105.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
Although it is unclear what the function of this object was and what the small containers in the sides held, it is an excellent example of the Yup'ik artistic tradition. In the Yup'ik worldview, there is a fine balance in the physical and spiritual worlds as well as the cosmos. These beliefs are reflected here by the representation of the two faces; one with an upturned mouth, the other with a down turned one. This typical Yup'ik duality exists between sky and sea, light and dark, and male and female. The male face has a mustache and goatee; the female is illustrated by facial tattoos on the lower lip. The images have been placed back-to-back, showing that the opposites are meant to be together. This type of imagery can also be found on wooden plaques that were attached to kayaks, which would insure safe passage.
Details
- Title
- Sewing or Tobacco Box
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2004.105.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.