Loon and Hunter

• Main Author: Oksoktaruk, David
• Other Authors: Given to the University of Washington Libraries by Norman Jenisch Rose and Louise R. Rose
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: eskimo*; Inupiaq; Nome; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16786.contentdm.oclc.org:80/cdm/ref/collection/p16786coll14/id/35

Loon and Hunter was commissioned by Norman and Louise Rose as a gift for the UW Bothell Library. David Oksoktaruk is an Inupiaq Eskimo from Nome, Alaska. About the Piece: "The loon, bear and the hunter survive on salmon. The inner hoop is the earth and the outer hoop is the heavens. The white dots on the wings represent the stars. The five feathers on the outer hoop left or right side going down, the ocean, the land our Creater [sic], the food we get from the ocean and land and respect for family and elders. The feathers on the inner hoop represent ducks and geese of the North land. The loon mask and wings are made from cottonwood [sic] bark. The hunter's face is made from soapstone. The loon's feet are made from soapstone. The tail is made from white alabaster. The bear, geese and salmon are made from baleen. The feathers are made from ivory." Information provided by the Artist. This spirit mask is one of two Oksoktaruk pieces given to the UWB Library by Norman and Louise Rose. The other piece is called "Spirit of the Wind."