Artwork copyright Scott Tyler. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

Raven Mask, 1980

Scott Tyler
American Makah (born 1954)

Location: Washington State University, Pullman

About the Artwork

Makah artist Scott Tyler hand-carved Raven Mask after consulting with master carver Art Thompson. This piece features hand-laced cedar bark and a hand-rubbed finish created by mixing graphite with black acrylic paint. Tyler notes that the motif and style of his artworks are based on traditional Makah and Nuu-chah-nulth designs. This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State University.

About the Artist

Scott Tyler is a Makah artist and doctor. He studied Museology and American Indian Studies before pursuing a medical degree at the University of Washington in Seattle. He works as a doctor in Bellevue, Western Washington.