МАЭ № 2539-22

Bowl

The Alutiiq

19th century

Russian circumnavigations and half round-the-world sea expeditions

wood, paint, dentalium shell

length 29 cm, width 23.5 cm, height 12 cm

The inner surface of the bowl is carved on both sides with stylized depictions of seal heads. The eyes of the animals are represented by horizontal lines with nostrils carved below. Nostrils are a typical means of portraying a seal (see No. 562—2). In order to breathe, a seal raises only the upper part of its head out of the water, draws in a breath and dives under water. Perhaps this is a portrayal of Imam Sua, the mistress of sea animals.

Ethnography of America