Submitted by: Brenda Mahan
Materials: Wool, size 11 seed beads
Artist: Brenda Mahan
Koyukon Athabascan
Born in Galena, Alaska
Currently live in Fallon, Nevada USA
Model: Roy C. Mahan, Jr.
Everyone knows the pink ribbon stands for breast cancer. I had no idea what the white ribbon stood for, that is until January 2019 when my husband, Roy was diagnosed with lung cancer. Roy worked for the Anchorage Fire Department for 28 years as a fire fighter. He retired as Captain from downtown Station 1, Anchorage, Alaska.
The raven represents the Celtic/Norse warrior not to mention in Alaska Native culture, it is a trickster. Inside the raven is the trinity knot, representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The black and white border is something I took from my maternal grandmother, Lilly Henry. She was a full Athabascan woman from Old Louden/Galena, Alaska. She was an exquisite beader as is my mother, Madeline Krol.
My husband is Irish so he comes with attitude but when cancer came into our life, his will to live, really live, has taken command, hence, ATTITUDE!
Be safe, stay home and really live ♡
This mask was created for the Breathe community Facebook group – A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through 21st century pandemic.