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Birds, Animals, and Spirits
Artist
Ruben, Abraham Anghik
(born 1951)
Date2014
MediumBrazilian soapstone
Dimensions27 1/4 × 16 1/4 × 7 1/2 in. (69.2 × 41.3 × 19.1 cm)
ClassificationsNATIVE AMERICAN
Credit LineMuseum Purchase with In-Kind Gift by the Artist
Object number2014.9
DescriptionSculpture depicts dancing shaman, facing right and slightly downward, transforming into falcon; Sedna, creator of all sea creatures, depicted to left of transforming shaman; Sedna shown with outstretched arm to falcon; images off sea animals - i.e., walrus, fish, whales, and variety of birds - above Sedna on side of left wing; back side depicts raven embracing family; raven represents ancient creation myth as raven one of few birds that remain in Arctic year round; family represents concept of reinacarnation - transition of souls, from one life to next; shaman on bird's tail to right; images of land mammals and birds on surface of right wing; shaman/falcon figure standing with two legs on oblong base; right leg ends in foot; right wing slightly downward with tip on base; left wing upward; numerous carved holes in both wingsCollections
- Post WWII and Contemporary Art
- Native American Art
On View
Native American Gallery