Gift of Vicki S. McConnell.

Phillip Charette, whose Yup'ik name Aarnaquq was handed down in his family, is an artist who sees inspiration in traditional forms and creates visually potent statements using a variety of contemporary media. Historically, Yup'ik shamans used Amikuk masks in their healing ceremonies as a portal to travel into the spiritual world. Although the traditional style of Yup'ik mask was carved from wood, Charette uses a range of ceramic techniques to achieve the desired results and even models the clay to simulate the adze marks that appear on the surface of wooden masks. He researches every detail and each aspect has a symbolic reference. For example, the white paint around the eyes represent snow goggles and the red on the lips and interior of the nostrils represents blood, signifying the mask's strength, while the porcelain teeth are a reminder of the dangerous and powerful beings that inhabit the spiritual world.

AMEC Analysis:Part: NeckOne white porcelain fragment from the base of an unknown object. Clear glazed. Brown accretions on top, bottom and exposed ceramic. L. Penttila 2/22/2010

AMEC Analysis: Part: Base Pattern: Featheredge Date Range: 1880 to 1918 Comments: This vessel was manufactured in the later period of Hapsburg Austria, indicating an age range of 1880 to 1918. One clear glazed porcelain tea cup fragment. Gilding on handle and just below rim on exterior of cup. Maker's Mark: M.Z. AUSTRIA Beginning portion of "AUSTRIA" is missing, though Maker's Mark is still identifiable. Small crack on body near handle. Brown discolorations near handle. J. Dougherty 12/09/2009

AMEC Analysis:Part: BodyVessel Form: Electrical PorcelainOne unglazed porcelain insulator fragment. J. Dougherty 12/10/2009

AMEC Analysis: Part: Rim Vessel Form: Pan Comments: This vessel has a dipped brown glazed exterior and a clear glazed interior. One porcelain dish fragment with color glazed (brown) exterior and clear glazed interior. Includes portion of rim, side, and bottom of dish. Molded rim with uniform diagonal lines. J. Dougherty 12/03/2009

AMEC Analysis:Part: BodyOne clear glazed porcelain saucer fragment. Form appears to have been molded. Small orange discolorations on top surface. J. Dougherty 12/10/2009

AMEC Analysis: Part: Body Vessel Form: Wine cup Pattern: Floral Polychrome Comments: This piece is decorated with appliqué. One clear glazed porcelain cup fragment with molded rim. Interior has detail on sides and a green printed leaf design, as well as green glaze. J. Dougherty 12/09/2009

AMEC Analysis: Part: Rim Vessel form: Rice Bowl One white porcelain bowl fragment with remnants of hand painted teal floral decoration on exterior. Compacted dirt in bowl is drying and flaking. Small sample preserved with object. Approximately two-thirds of bowl is present L. Penttila 2/8/2010

AMEC Analysis: Part: Rim Vessel Form: Rice Bowl Decoration Type: Hand Painted Pattern: Asian Comments: This piece has Chinese characters on the interior and exterior; the is also Painted with a puppy. One white porcelain dish fragment with blue transfer printed decorations. Decorations include clouds, characters and an animal (possibly dog). Some brown and orange accretions on exterior and exposed paste. L. Penttila 2/22/2010