A carved and painted seal mask collected by Edward W. Nelson from Magemut near the mouth of the Yukon River, Alaska. This ceremonial mask represents a seal blowing air bubbles as it comes to the surface - the sound hunters listen for.
FROM CARD: "DESCRIBED BY NELSON, OP. CIT., P. 401. ILLUST. IN BAE 18TH AR, FIG. 141, P. 414. 1/83 SITES INUA LOAN. INVENTORIED 1977. LOAN: U.S.I.A. INUA. JUN 24 1988. ILLUS.: INUA CATALOGUE. USIA 1988, PL.31, P.26. LOAN RETURNED DEC 28 1990."
From transcript of consultations held in conjunction with "Yuungnaqpiallerput (The Way We Genuinely Live)" exhibit, April 17-18, 2010: "seal blowing bubbles as he rises to the surface"