Origin: King Island, AK
Culture: King Island Inupiaq
Jerome Saclamana was born July 20th, 1963 on King Island. He was taught to carve by his father Mike Saclamaana and by his grandfather John Kokuluk Sr. Additionally, he took art and culture classes at Nome Beltz High School under Harry Koozaata. Being particularly skilled in combining traditional subjects and materials with his own contemporary style, Saclamana creates pieces that are truly unique examples of native contemporary art. Adept in both ivory and whalebone, Saclamana specializes in objects and figures that reflect the connectivity of all things and the deep spiritual traditions of the King Island Inupiat. His shaman masks and transformation pieces explore the old shamanistic religion of the King Islanders by showing human and animal features together, combined in his signature streamlined style. The result is a piece that is steeped in ancient tradition, but ultimately a stunning piece of contemporary art.
