Yaranga

An agayu is a Yupik ceremonial mask.

Agayu

These wooden masks varied greatly in size and shape. Tiny forehead “maskettes" may measure three or four inches in diameter. Then there are giant, twenty-pound masks that no performer could wear with extra support!
Agayu were basically stage props for dancers. They were special, but not sacred, and most were destroyed after use.
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The way these masks looked changed as dancers moved across the dimly lit space on the stage. Not only did these masks change the way the performers looked to the audience, but the masks also changed the experience for the performer. Dancing behind the wooden barrier of the mask made it harder to see, which helped spiritual vision. Some masks were even believed to actually give the dancers the spirits that were represented on them.

Agayu masks could represent just about anything. Some told of a journey under the sea or into the sky, and included parts that represented creatures encountered along the way. Others represented animal yuit, or animal people. Carvers also made masks depicting insects, berries, wood, ice, and all kinds of other things seen in everyday life. Through the masks and masked dancers, everyone could vividly share in the experience.

Source and image courtesy of: tribalarts.com/feature/riordan/index.html