Alaska
Aleut Burial Mask
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Few masks from early Aleut culture remain. Normally,after festivities or shamanistic rituals, masks would be destroyed. Those existing today were primarily recovered from burial sites by collectors of the late 19th and early 20th century. Often located in caves, burial masks were found on mummy bundles. Mummy bundles were made by bending the embalmed body, fitting the head between the knees, and wrapping it in grass mats. If the person was of high position a mask was placed on the bundle.
The mask here is carved from driftwood; its surface shows long exposure to wind and rain.
Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka
