Unlock the Mysticism: Exploring the Tlingit Shaman Mask and the Unseen

 This is part of the Neon Series, currently installed at 5th and Pike in downtown Seattle until May, 2025 as part of a partnership with Seattle Restored.  Make sure to check out the others in the series.  Merchandise featuring these are available in the store.  If interested in purchasing the large format with neon lighting, contact me through the my online contact form, Instagram or Facebook

Full Neon Series featuring all 6 stunning artworks of native resilience

Welcome back to our journey through the Neon Series! I am so excited that you are here to explore the magic and depth that is contained within this collection of art pieces. This piece is installed in Seattle at 5th and Pike until May 2025 thanks to Seattle Restored. “Shaman Mask,” is a work that is unlike any other in the series. It is a piece that truly embodies the idea of cultural fusion, and it uses the striking aesthetics of the 1980s, while simultaneously invoking the ancient spiritual traditions of the Tlingit people. This mask is not merely an image; it is a portal, inviting us to step into a realm where the visible and the unseen coalesce, where tradition and modernity dance together, and where the echoes of our ancestors whisper to us from beyond the veil.

“Shaman Mask” is more than just a cultural artifact; it’s an exploration of identity, a conversation with the past, and an attempt to make sense of the present. It’s about how we can both embrace our roots while also making space for growth and innovation, and how we can use our past to create something new, while honoring those who came before us. It’s an invitation to explore the spaces where tradition meets innovation, and where the visible intertwines with the mystical. This piece is an attempt to create something that will move you while also challenging you to examine your relationship with both the past and the future.

“Shaman Mask” installed with neon lighting

A Profile in Mystery: Visual Layers of Meaning

Visually, “Shaman Mask” commands attention with a centrally positioned profile mask. At first glance, it appears to be a generic human face, perhaps one we’ve all encountered, but as you look closer, you’ll see layers upon layers of symbolism that are deeply rooted in Tlingit culture. The mask gazes directly at you, with a gaze that is both commanding and inviting, encouraging a sense of introspection. It asks you to not only see it but to also see yourself within it, to recognize the inherent human connections that are shared among all cultures. This direct gaze is meant to pull you in, to encourage you to look beyond the surface, to explore the depths of the message that it has to offer.

The bold aesthetics of the 1980s, an era known for its vibrant palettes and striking lines, are intentionally interwoven throughout the piece, giving it a feeling of both familiarity and strangeness. This combination of familiar and unfamiliar helps to bridge a gap between old and new, creating a space where the viewer can feel grounded in their own cultural experience, while also being open to the richness of other cultures. The colors, cyan, magenta, and sky blue, are used to create a striking contrast against the black background, enhancing the piece’s visual impact. This contrast serves as a visual metaphor for the duality that is found within the piece, a reminder that there can be both light and dark, chaos and order, and that both are necessary components of our shared human experience. The gradients between shades add depth and movement, creating a feeling that the mask is alive, and that it has its own intrinsic energy.

Behind the mask unfolds an abundance of thick loops and strings in shades of cyan, magenta, and sky blue. These elements burst forth in all directions, reminiscent of the mesmerizing Northern Lights that dance across the Alaskan sky. These lines are not static or stagnant; instead, they flow and cascade, showing us the flow of energy between the seen and the unseen, connecting us all to the cosmos. These loops and strings represent complexity and connection, bridging the visible world with the unseen realms. They also represent the concept of string theory and existence and connection with higher dimensional realms. As they cascade downward, they transform into thinner strings that drip away, suggesting a flow of energy or knowledge from the spiritual world into ours. This speaks to the importance of our ancestral connections, and the ways that the past can inform and guide us towards a more luminous future.

In the lip is a labret which helps to clarify her femininity

Symbolism in Detail: Whispers of Tradition

The mask features a labret piercing, a significant symbol in Tlingit culture denoting a woman of high status. This detail emphasizes the feminine essence of the Mother Bear spirit. This feature is not merely decorative, but it is a symbol of status and an indication that this person has passed through puberty, making them an adult and a valuable member of the community. It also reinforces the importance of the role of women within the Tlingit culture.

Above the eyebrows sits a traditional formline ovoid, which emerges a smaller human form. This figure is meant to represent a guide or companion, a guiding presence journeying with the spirit. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that we are all surrounded by spiritual forces that protect and guide us. The inclusion of these guiding spirits reminds us that the mask is more than a mere object; it is also a portal for communication with the spirits of our ancestors. Flanking this figure are two ears connected to the brow, subtly indicating that the primary mask embodies a bear. This is another subtle nod to the importance of our connection to the natural world, highlighting the interconnections between the human and animal realms.

Ears were added to the eyebrows to signify the figure as a bear

Bear imagery, common within Tlingit traditions, is a reminder of the importance of the mother bear in the culture. In these traditions, a bear depicted with a child rider often signifies a Mother Bear, a powerful symbol of protection, nurturing, and guidance. The cub is often shown between the ears of the figure in a cuddling affectionate manner. The Mother Bear serves as one of the shaman’s eight helping spirits, offering wisdom and strength, as well as a symbol of the feminine force that exists within the universe. This is not merely a representation of a powerful animal, it is a reminder that feminine energy is a key component to maintaining balance and harmony in the universe. This symbolism serves as a powerful and meaningful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, the constant flow of energy, and the need for balance and harmony between all aspects of the universe.

between the ears is a child rider, a face representing a bear cub

Aesthetic Fusion: Blending Past and Present

The choice of colors—vibrant cyan, bold magenta, and soothing sky blue—draws inspiration from the electric palettes of the 1980s, an era known for its daring visual expressions. These hues create striking contrasts against the black background, enhancing the artwork’s visual impact and giving it a sense of playful vibrancy that captures the spirit of innovation. The gradients between the shades add depth and movement, making the artwork feel alive and dynamic, as if it is constantly pulsing with its own unique energy. It is through this interplay of colors and textures that the piece really comes to life, giving it a strong visual presence that is hard to ignore.

The blending of traditional themes with the bold aesthetics of the 1980s creates a dialogue between the past and the present, challenging viewers to consider how cultural narratives can evolve while still retaining their core essence. It’s an exploration of how ancestral wisdom can be expressed through contemporary mediums, making ancient themes accessible and relevant in today’s world. It acknowledges that both traditions and innovations are important, and that it is through the blending of the two that we can fully move forward toward a more creative and meaningful future. This blending of old and new helps to connect us to our past and to see the beauty and the wisdom that it holds.

Intended Impact: More Than Meets the Eye

“Shaman Mask” is designed to feel powerful and commanding. The mask’s direct gaze is meant to draw you in, encouraging a deep, personal connection, and it is also meant to evoke a deeper sense of awe. The emanating loops and strings guide your eyes toward the mask’s intense focus, emphasizing the link between the physical and spiritual realms. It’s an invitation to explore beyond the surface and contemplate the unseen forces that influence our lives. This piece isn’t meant to be passive; instead, it is intended to create a space where all of us can connect to our own inner spiritual selves, to explore the parts of ourselves that we tend to keep hidden from the rest of the world. It is meant to inspire and to evoke that which lies just beyond the surface, to delve into the mysteries of the universe and the parts that are hidden from plain sight.

the strings from physics string theory emanating from the mask

This isn’t just a mask; it’s a portal, a gateway into the unknown, encouraging us to acknowledge the parts of the universe that we cannot see with our physical eyes, to create a connection with the spirits of our ancestors and to recognize the power of both tradition and innovation. It is not only a beautiful piece of art but a call to awareness, and it inspires us to delve deeper into the mysteries of our shared human experience.

Cultural Significance: A Bridge Between Worlds

This piece pays homage to the shamanic traditions of the Tlingit people, where masks are not mere artifacts but vital tools for bridging worlds. It uses the power of visual language to convey meaning. The shaman’s mask represents a conduit between the earthly and the spiritual, allowing the wearer—and the observer—to connect with guiding spirits like the Mother Bear. By incorporating traditional symbols such as the labret piercing and formline design, the artwork honors the rich heritage and spiritual beliefs of my ancestors. This piece is a recognition of the power of the mask, not just as a cultural artifact, but as a tool that helps to connect us to the spiritual realms, reminding us that these worlds are not so far away, and in fact, are always present.

It speaks to the importance of cultural artifacts and their capacity to act as gateways, to help us connect with those who have come before, and to inspire us to remember that we are all part of a grand tapestry that is woven together through the threads of past, present, and future.

An Invitation to Reflect and Connect

“Shaman Mask” is more than an image; it’s an experience intended to provoke thought and stir the soul. It asks you to consider:

• What unseen connections influence your life?

• How do the guiding spirits—or inner forces—in your life manifest?

• In what ways can embracing both tradition and innovation enrich your understanding of the world?

T-shirts available for purchase through the store

Final Thoughts: A Tapestry of Worlds

Creating “Shaman Mask” has been a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration. It’s a piece that marries the deep-rooted traditions of my heritage with the expressive possibilities of modern art, showing the power of our shared cultural experience. I hope it resonates with you, sparking curiosity and inviting you to delve into the intricate tapestry of seen and unseen worlds, acknowledging that there is more to our world than that which we can see with our physical eyes.

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