Shaman's mask

A wonderful Postcrosser in Russia sent a museum card featuring a Tlingit shaman's mask. This community resides in SE Alaska, part of the larger Northwest Coast cultural tradition who fished and obtained forest resources, including wood for carving. Its a nice card and I enjoy seeing items in museum collections all around the world; hopefully some of them can be returned to Native communities for use in continuing cultural traditions!!

Text states" This mask shows the image of a supernatural being, possessing both huan and animal features. It was a shamana's attribute, imitating one of his spirit assistants. Though the curved beak reaching her lips is the main feature of a hawk, the mask probably represents the Master if Salmon."