Please respect that in their inhospitable environment of St. Lawrence Island, Yupik Eskimos must subsist on sea life harvests. Detritus, which remains after nutrients have been removed to feed the community, may wash in from the sea or appear when soil is washed away and is used for carving. Flotsam that floats to shore after decades at sea is prized for carving. In this case, a leather loop has been affixed to the reverse of the mask to allow it to be hung on a wall.

In accordance with international treaties, objects that include marine mammal residue, even ossified material, may only be shipped outside the USA with a Federal permit. The states of California, New Jersey and New York also have restrictions on such shipments. It is wise to check your state’s rules before ordering if yu have any concerns.