Allie High, (b. 1952)
Raven Maid (Made), 1992
Mixed media
Collection of the Anchorage Museum, 1992.74.1

Unangax̂ and Tsimshian artist Allie High learned to carve from Jack Hudson of Metlakatla, Alaska. Although Northwest Coast carving tends to be associated with men, there are many accomplished female carvers practicing in Alaska and along the Northwest Coast today.

High’s mask, Raven Maid (Made) is a tongue-in-cheek reference to her Tlingit heritage and her female subject. The mask, with full lips that appear painted with lipstick, reveals High’s interest in the subtlety of feminine facial features, as well as a modern updating of traditional Northwest Coast forms.