Nepcetat Mask

Central Yup’ik, Nepcetat Mask, Arctic Region, 1840-60. Wood, Swan Feathers, Snowy-Owl Feathers, Fox Teeth, Sealskin, Thong, Reed, Blood, Pigment, Ochre, Charcoal: Fenimore Museum, Cooperstown, New York

In all the classes of masks, the nepcetat or nepcetaq mask is ranked highest, being the most powerful mask. Each mask could only be used by its owner, and another person could not just take it and use it as effectively. Although the angalkuq or shaman would place the mask on his face without a string to hold it there, it would adhere to his face and not fall off even though he would bow down.

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