Alaskan Native Artist

Phillip John "Aarnaquq" Charette

Alaska Native Artist Phillip Charette wearing a custom order Yup'ik Tuunrissuut mask (one of a complete pair) which are now hanging in a private home in Eastern Oregon. This mask is titled "Provider" or "Nukalpiaq" (in Yup'ik) and reflects the lifeway of its owner. Each mask in this set is 64"X64" total size of piece 64"X 108".

Digital image by Dick Brown.

When appropriate, I honor custom mask orders. Mask orders from Yup'ik elders will always be honored according to tradition. Prices vary with size and amount of detail.  More complex pieces are priced accordingly. Hand carved wooden masks are priced higher. If arrangements have been made through me for custom masks, I will need to know some information.  See links below:

Yup'ik Mask Questionnaire This is a PDF file.

Yup'ik Mask Questionnaire Word Doc

Traditional Yup'ik spirit masks were composite pieces carved from wood, stained with clays, decorated with feathers, hides, beads, teeth, and other organic materials. Yup'ik masks were used in a variety of ways for had a wide range of use and function. The focus of my first traditional mask series were mixed media with an added twist; I made masks with clay staining them to look like wood instead of taking wood and staining it with clay. Most masks I make for galleries are low, smoke, and Raku fired.  For appendages, I use hardwoods for contrast and strength. Aarnaquq  masks are made with quality clays, hardwoods, feathers, hides, glass beads (made by the artist), and an assortment of mixed media materials. I've elected to work with clay for a number of reasons. Traditionally, the Yupiit worked a limited amount of clay as I discovered in my research at the Smithsonian. But, traditionally we had limited ability to high fire so I continue a very rare tradition. Rare because fuel for high fire was a rare commodity in southwestern Alaska. More importantly, I knew I would work in  bronze and glass casting; clay is a stepping stone.  I do carve wooden masks made of driftwood (as traditionally done) which are available through my personal studio,  Native art markets I show at, and   galleries showing my work. 

I enjoy the entire process of producing artwork from start to finish.  This includes the final placement and installation of the work. If you are not quite sure how to install a piece, feel free to contact me via email: phillip at spiritone.com. Depending on the location and scope of installation, prices vary from $50.00 - $300.00. More complex installations are priced accordingly.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Due to the wildlife and game restrictions in Oregon and within the United States, I am prohibited from selling masks using traditional feathers (eagle, hawk, owl, swan).  I, and other Alaska Natives, are protected under the Marine Mammals Act for producing work using other traditional materials. For more information on rights and regulations regarding what can be used by Alaskan Native Artists for art and traditional uses, go to:

http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-IMPACT/2005/August/Day-17/i16277.htm - Us Environmental Protection Agency, Marine Mammals Act, Native Exemptions.

http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/qa.htm - US Fish and Wildlife Alaska Questions and Answers

Marine Mammals Protection Act NOAA Fisheries

http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/marmam.html - Digest of Federal Resource Laws of Interest to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro05.shtm - Federal Trade Commiission

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusfdmmpatoc.htm - Michigan State University, Department of Law

All masks, sculptures, and traditional artifacts made (for sale) by Aarnaquq conform to applicable  state and federal regulations,  laws, and restrictions.

Digital image by Phillip Charette, Alaskan Native Artist courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Anthropology, Arctic Studies Center

Alaska Native Artist Phillip "Aarnaquq" Charette with Large Yup'ik mask at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History's Museum Support Center (MSC). Note the size of this mask (unassembled) which probably would have been hung from the ceiling when being used due to its size and   weight. When assembled with appendages, this is an extremely   large mask and would have made a definite impact to those watching in the gasgiq. This is an excellent example of  craftsmanship, style,  and creativity.