Nunalleq

A recently discovered 500-year-old Alaskan settlement is rapidly falling into the Bering Sea and disappearing sea ice accelerates erosion of the land.

This is the only complete, full-sized mask found on the site so far. It depicts a human-wolf transformation in that it has features of both a wolf and a human. Transformation is a common theme in arctic artwork, reflecting ancient shamanic beliefs that animals could sometimes transform themselves into humans and vice-versa. This mask still bears traces of silver colored surface paint, probably made from ground mica. DEPT. OF ARCHAEOLOGY — University of Aberdeen

Working with a tiny indigenous population on an Alaskan site three times the size of Scotland, experts from Aberdeen say their discoveries have wider implications for North America.

Quinhagak treasures

This four-inch wooden doll is one of many found on the site. They were used variously as toys, ceremonial items and as portraits of people who were otherwise unable to attend events in person. Quinhagak, Alaska

Quinhagak treasures. Grass basketry, woven mats and cordage have been recovered in quantity. Grass artifacts are extremely rare on archaeological sites. The Nunalleq site is exceptionally well preserved by permafrost, which has recently begun to melt with the onset of warmer annual temperatures.

Dr. Charlotta Hillerdal of the University of Aberdeen holds the only complete, full-sized mask found on the site so far. It depicts a human-wolf transformation in that it has features of both a wolf and a human. Transformation is a common theme in arctic artwork, reflecting ancient shamanic beliefs that animals could sometimes transform themselves into humans and vice-versa. This mask still bears traces of silver colored surface paint, probably made from ground mica.