Hanna Sholl

https://www.fineartsbyhannasholl.com/works

Hanna Sholl is a Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) artist. Her Alutiiq name is Agasuuq which means cormorant. Sholl was born in Kodiak, Alaska and still lives there with her family. She is known for her beadwork, oil lamp carving, fish skin work, and her masks. Her headdresses, which were traditionally worn by females, are particularly stunning. Her art is heavily inspired by traditional methods used by Sugpiaq artists for generations. She says of her work, "My intention is to have the works I create speak back to those who came to our homelands and described our ancestors in racist and negative ways. My hopes are also that it will speak to our people, a reminder that being strong and independent has always been part of our culture. And still is." Overall, Sholl's work promotes decolonization and focuses on traditional items that are used by Sugpiaq women.

Nacaqa, 2020

This piece is a classic example of a Sugpiaq headdress. This type of headdress was traditionally worn by Sugpiaq women and is believed to have signaled a passage into womanhood.

Nacaq, 2020

This piece is another example of a Sugpiaq headdress. This particular piece is a recreation of an ancestral work. This piece represents a reclamation of traditional practices and the role of Sugpiaq women in a matriarchal society.

MMIW epidemic plaguing Indigenous communities; handwoven bird, no date

This traditionally handwoven bird was created to honor Alaska Native women who have been murdered or have gone missing. Birds hold a special place in Sugpiaq culture and were known for carrying messages. This bird is supposed to carry the memory of the women and each bead included in the piece represents a prayer.

Celebrated Patterns, 2020

Inspired by patterns found on talking rocks, paddles, and ancestral headdresses, this piece shows a devotion to traditional Sugpiaq culture.