Shaman Transformation Mask
by Chivly Chupak, Alaskan
whalebone, bone inlay
5.25” high x 5.25” wide x .75” deep
Chivly Chup, also known as Chupak, was born in Cambodia and escaped the Khmer Rouge regime after the death of his parents. At the age of 12, he taught himself how to carve and sold his sculptures to support his remaining family while living in a Thai refugee camp.
At 17, he was sponsored by an American family and became fascinated with Alaskan Native culture, which he used as inspiration for his carving. He settled in Seattle where he attended Edmonds High School. He continued to refine his carving style and could at long last begin to satisfy his thirst for more information about Eskimo peoples and Alaska. He studied the history of the Native peoples, their culture, village life and their art. His sculptures began to reflect the wildlife, landscapes and spirit of Alaska. When he was 20 years old, he realized his life-sustaining ambition and visited Alaska.
After a time, Chupak took his family to remote Emmonak, Alaska near the Bering Sea where he taught carving and to villagers. Today, Chupak, his wife Sorn and daughter Junie, now prosper in Juneau, Alaska where Chupak works and continues to teach carving.
