Sun Goggles

Nelson Islands, Alaska

6 inches, painted white spruce, leather

Carved and painted by a Yupik Eskimo from the Bering Sea village of Newtok. He belongs to the Qayluykamiut people of Nelson Island. He carves with an adze and crooked knife in the traditional manner. The dragon on the tope is based on a design formerly used by the Yupik people in their facial tattoos. Goggles like these were worn during the spring of the year to protect the eyes from sun burn while hunting on the bright white ice and snow. his mark of the raven’s track. The raven tracks below the eye slits are Noah’s mark and are based on his mother’s signature.