Celebration 3D - Wearing a hand-carved driftwood mask with moving eyes from the Kuskokwim River, the dancer swings feathered arms in thanksgiving to Ellam Yua. Across villages, people gathered to honor Ellam Yua—the Person of the Universe—for the blessings of harvest and gathering. It was believed that fish and animals offered themselves willingly, watching how their bodies were treated during preservation, forming a sacred bond of respect, reciprocity, and gratitude. Ancestors later found out that it was Jesus Christ all along, the creator of the universe.
- Outside dimensions 11-5/8" x 14-5/8" x 1-3/8"
- Includes Ivory Mat with 8x10 opening
- Black Frame
- Includes glass and backing
- Comes ready for wall mounting
- Will accept 4-ply mat board
- Mixed media: Kuskokwim driftwood, black feathers, turkey feather dance fans and acrylic
3D ART FULFILLMENT: Preorder items are made on demand. Each 3D artwork is hand-carved, painted, and dried over a careful 2-day process to ensure the drying, uniqueness and fine quality of every original piece. Orders typically ship on the second or third day, depending on the time the preorder is placed and frame size availability. Shipping is handled through USPS Priority Mail, and a tracking number will be provided for your convenience. Please note: Bethel does not offer Express Mail service, so all orders will be sent via Priority Mail.
Celebration 3D
The Yup’ik people held festivals where multiple villages gathered to celebrate and give thanks to Ellarpiim Yua (Person of the Universe) for the gifts of harvest and gathering. It was believed that fish and animals willingly gave themselves and observed how humans treated their bodies during the preservation process. Animal parts were used to create masks for the festivals, and small representations of animals were carved and hung from the four corners of the Qas’giq.
After the celebration, the animals returned to Ellarpiim Yua and reported that they were treated well by the humans. They asked for permission to return for future festivals. Pleased with the love and respect shown by humans, Ellarpiim Yua granted the fish and wildlife permission to celebrate life with humans again at the next harvest.
