"Selk'nam" presents a haunting interpretation of indigenous ceremonial mask traditions in this striking wall sculpture. The vibrant vermilion face with downcast eyes and solemn expression emerges from elongated horns or ceremonial headdress elements rendered in earthy terracotta tones. Bands of contrasting cream and dark brown encircle the central form, creating a rhythmic pattern that frames the facial features while suggesting ritual body painting or ceremonial adornment through bold geometric simplicity.

About Artwork: Selk'nam

Created in 2015, this plaster piece from Chile measures approximately 8 inches wide by 4 inches high, capturing the spiritual essence of the Selk'nam people indigenous to Tierra del Fuego. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of a culture nearly erased through European colonization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mask's closed eyes and somber expression evoke the profound grief of cultural devastation, while its rich red coloration speaks to both ceremonial traditions and the violence that decimated these nomadic hunter-gatherers. Discovered in Santiago, the piece creates a powerful visual connection to indigenous Chilean heritage through its contemporary interpretation of traditional mask forms. When displayed, this evocative sculpture brings historical awareness and cultural remembrance to interior spaces, its streamlined form and emotional resonance inviting reflection on the human costs of colonization while honoring the artistic legacy of the Selk'nam people.