Custom Installation
Phillip Charette doing a custom installation of a large Yup'ik mask over the fireplace of one of his collectors.
Custom Yup'ik Masks
Designed With Your Personal "Tuunrag" (Spirit Helper) in Mind
Most of the masks I make are sold through galleries and other venues where fine Native American arts are sold. However, I am pleased to make custom Yup'ik masks for people who want a mask to reflect their own personal Tuunrag (Spirit Helper), or who have a specific desire to be involved in the creation process.
Mask orders from Yup'ik elders will always be honored according to tradition.
Let Me Make a Mask for You
If you'd like me to make a custom mask or sculpture, I'll need to get the following information from you:
Custom Mask and Sculpture Questionnaire (pdf)
Custom Mask and Sculpture Questionnaire (MSWord)
Prices on custom pieces vary with size and amount of detail. More complex pieces are priced higher, as are hand-carved wooden sculptures.
Help With Installations
Many of my pieces are large and intricate, and may be difficult to install if you're unaccustomed to handling such work. But don't let this become an issue. I am more than happy to help you install the piece or install it for you. The pricing on custom installations varies from $50 - $300 depending on the location and size of the piece. Highly complex installations may be priced higher.
Please don't hesitate to contact me via email if you need help. My email is phillip@spiritone.com.
How I Make My Masks
Phillip Carving
Phillip Charette carving a custom mask for a client.
In the Yup'ik Tradition
Whether sold through galleries or custom made, all of my masks are created in the Yup'ik tradition, and are made from quality clays, hardwoods, feathers, hides, glass beads (which I make myself), and an assortment of mixed media materials.
Many of the materials I incorporate into my Yup'ik masks were used by traditional mask designers, but some of the materials I use are more "contemporary" in nature. For example, rather than carving all of my masks in wood, I often make them with clay. When I do carve wooden masks, I do so with driftwood, as was done traditionally.
As I discovered when doing my research at the Smithsonian, clay was used only rarely by the Yup'ik's because it needed to be "fired" and the fuel needed for the firing process was wood, which was a rare thing to get in southwestern Alaska where the Yup'ik are from.
Still, for appendages, I use hardwoods for contrast and strength, as was done in the Yup'ik tradition, and I decorate my pieces with a variety of both traditional and contemporary elements.
Certain Restrictions Apply
All masks, sculptures, and traditional artifacts made (for sale) by Aarnaquq conform to applicable state and federal regulations, laws, and restrictions.
Due to the wildlife and game restrictions in Oregon and within the United States, I am prohibited from selling masks using traditional feathers (eagle, hawk, owl, swan). I, and other Alaska Natives, are protected under the Marine Mammals Act for producing work using other traditional materials.
Click for more information on rights and regulations for Alaskan Native Artists.
