Johnston, Don – “Seals” Winter Spirit Mask (2025)
$ 2,000.00
This is a new “spirit mask” by Don Johnston (Aleut). Don was born in Ketchikan, Alaska. He apprenticed with James Omnik, Sr. a well-known baleen basket weaver. In the years since those first important lessons, Don has continued to improve and innovate his unique weaving style. While Don has collaborated on larger ones, this is the “Seal” Winter Spirit mask. The central mask has a winter “snow” visor. There are two seals near the bottom of the mask. There are scrapers made from baleen and on the top is a seal hunter in a blaeen kayak! It is an exceptional piece. It is all put together on baleen sections and then stands on a piece of fossilized ivory. It is an exciting and creative piece! It is signed, “Don Johnston” and was made in 2025. We are pleased to have his work at both our galleries in Santa Fe and Scottsdale!
What is baleen?
Baleen plates have hair-like structures that filter out tiny floating organisms and fish and are found in the mouth these plankton-eating whales. Baleen was originally used for indigenous objects like water cups, buckets, and sleds. The Bowhead whale has been subsistence hunted by Alaska Coastal Natives, including the Yup’ik and Inupiat for over 1,000 years, and no part of the whale is ever wasted. A butchered bowhead whale can yield thousands of pounds of food. The community shares of meat and blubber are apportioned equitably to ensure that everyone benefits from a successful hunt.
In stock
This is the first time we have had a “spirit mask” by Don Johnston (Aleut). Don was born in Ketchikan, Alaska. He apprenticed with James Omnik, Sr. a well-known baleen basket weaver. In the years since those first important lessons, Don has continued to improve and innovate his unique weaving style. While Don has collaborated on larger ones, this Summer and Winter versions are his first two Spirit Masks that he has made himself! This piece is the “Winter Spirit Mask”. The central mask has a winter “snow” visor. There is a baleen/Ivory hat suspended above the figure. On the sides are two salmon and two seals. It is an exceptional piece. It is all put together on baleen sections and then stands on a piece of fossilized ivory. It is an exciting and creative piece! It is signed, “Don Johnston” and was made in 2025. We are pleased to have his work at both our galleries in Santa Fe and Scottsdale!
What is baleen?
Baleen plates have hair-like structures that filter out tiny floating organisms and fish and are found in the mouth these plankton-eating whales. Baleen was originally used for indigenous objects like water cups, buckets, and sleds. The Bowhead whale has been subsistence hunted by Alaska Coastal Natives, including the Yup’ik and Inupiat for over 1,000 years, and no part of the whale is ever wasted. A butchered bowhead whale can yield thousands of pounds of food. The community shares of meat and blubber are apportioned equitably to ensure that everyone benefits from a successful hunt.
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Johnston, Don
Don Johnston was born in Ketchikan, Alaska, and moved to Anchorage when he was 20. He apprenticed with James Omnik Sr., a well-known baleen basket weaver. In the years since those first important lessons, Don has continued to improve and innovate his unique weaving style.
Don's natural gifts for both carving walrus ivory and working with the challenging threads of baleen from traditionally harvested Bowhead whales have drawn the attention of collectors worldwide.
Baleen plates have hair-like structures that filter out tiny floating organisms and fish and are found in the mouth of these plankton-eating whales. Baleen was originally used for indigenous objects like water cups, buckets, and sleds. The Bowhead whale has been subsistence hunted by Alaska Coastal Natives, including the Yup'ik and Inupiat, for over 1,000 years, and no part of the whale is ever wasted. Instead, a butchered Bowhead whale can yield thousands of pounds of food. The community shares of meat and fat are apportioned equitably to ensure that everyone benefits from a successful hunt.
Don is one of a handful of baleen basket weavers. His works have won numerous awards, including Grand Champion and Judge's Choice at the Alaska State Fair, Best in Basketry at Los Angeles Autry Museum Show, Best in Show at the 2017 Heard Museum Show, Best in Category - Weaving at the 2018 Santa Fe Indian Market, and Best in Category, 2019 Heard Museum Show. In addition, a basket resides in the permanent collection of the Denver Art Museum.