Floyd Kuptana
GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASK
FLOYD KUPTANA (B. 1964), PAULATUK
GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASK
stone, ivory, unsigned, circa 1999, Minor imperfections, missing inlay. Overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
5.25 x 3 x 1.75 in — 13.3 x 7.6 x 4.4 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
This dramatic maskette with its downturned mouth, incised facial lines, and single glaring eye is evocative of both traditional Yupik and Inupiat masks, as well contemporary pop culture sources that run throughout much of Kuptana’s work. Exposed to the artwork of his cousins Francis Ruben, and Abraham Anghik Ruben as well as mentors Bill Nasogaluak, and David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kuptana had extensive experience as an apprentice sculptor by the time he came to produce his own varied work. [1]
Of a related work by Kuptana’s cousin David Ruben Piqtoukun, The One Eyed People, from 1995, Piqtoukun said “The orphans and the disadvantaged who overcame their handicaps developed special insights into the material and spiritual worlds, often becoming leaders. In southern society they would remain outcasts.” [2]
It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–this maskette makes that point emphatically. [2]
References:
1. Inuit Art Foundation, “Floyd Kuptana Profile”. IAQ, Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Floyd-Kuptana.
2. Grant-Moran, Robyn, “Remembering Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana, whose dark vision brought important issues to light”, Toronto Star, June 27, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.thestar.com/life/together/remembrance/2021/06/27/remembering-inuvialuk-artist-floyd-kuptana-whose-dark-vision-brought-important-issues-to-light.html.
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.
Estimate: $200—400
GRIMACING FACE SHAMAN'S MASK
stone, ivory, unsigned, circa 1999, Minor imperfections, missing inlay. Overall good condition.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.
5.25 x 3 x 1.75 in — 13.3 x 7.6 x 4.4 cm
Provenance:
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
This dramatic maskette with its downturned mouth, incised facial lines, and single glaring eye is evocative of both traditional Yupik and Inupiat masks, as well contemporary pop culture sources that run throughout much of Kuptana’s work. Exposed to the artwork of his cousins Francis Ruben, and Abraham Anghik Ruben as well as mentors Bill Nasogaluak, and David Ruben Piqtoukun, Kuptana had extensive experience as an apprentice sculptor by the time he came to produce his own varied work. [1]
Of a related work by Kuptana’s cousin David Ruben Piqtoukun, The One Eyed People, from 1995, Piqtoukun said “The orphans and the disadvantaged who overcame their handicaps developed special insights into the material and spiritual worlds, often becoming leaders. In southern society they would remain outcasts.” [2]
It has been said of Kuptana’s oeuvre, that “quite simply, he made beautiful monsters”–this maskette makes that point emphatically. [2]
References:
1. Inuit Art Foundation, “Floyd Kuptana Profile”. IAQ, Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.inuitartfoundation.org/profiles/artist/Floyd-Kuptana.
2. Grant-Moran, Robyn, “Remembering Inuvialuk artist Floyd Kuptana, whose dark vision brought important issues to light”, Toronto Star, June 27, 2021. Accessed February 21, 2022. https://www.thestar.com/life/together/remembrance/2021/06/27/remembering-inuvialuk-artist-floyd-kuptana-whose-dark-vision-brought-important-issues-to-light.html.
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.
Estimate: $200—400
Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Lot # | Low Est | High Est | Sold Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 16 | 200 | 400 | 252.00 |
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 18 | 200 | 400 | 240.00 |
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 15 | 200 | 400 | 420.00 |
| 2022-03-17 | Waddington's | 17 | 200 | 400 | 192.00 |
