Yuungnaqpiallerput - The Way We Genuinely Live - Masterworks of Yup'ik Science and Survival

MenuScheduleBooksThank YouLendersSponsorsPress Release
Calista Elders Council
570 3rd Ave # 219
Bethel, AK 99559
(907) 543-1541


Visit the Anchorage Museum
625 C Street Anchorage, AK 99501
(907)929-9200

anchoragemuseum.org

 

Tools for Ocean Hunting


Qayak Sled
Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution,
L2356, Dr. Leuman M. Waugh, 1935
A man pulls his kayak on a kayak sled.


Ayaperviik Cockpit Coaming StanchionsQayak Stanchions

Description

Used to support the paddler's weight when exiting the kayak. Decorated with smiling male and frowning female faces, they also spiritually balance and protect the craft.

Dimensions

W- 5 1/4 in
H- 6 3/4 in
Diameter- 1 1/4 in

Credits

H. B. Collins, 1927, Nunivak, Department of Anthropology,
Smithsonian Institution 340373


Pupsugcetaat Snowshoes Snowshoes

Description

Snowshoes carried by coastal hunters on the kayak's stern.

Frank Andrew said: "We used snowshoes out on the ocean during spring sometimes. When our path was obstructed by floating snow or ice, when it hardened, we'd put them on and get out and walk on the surface and not sink. We would finally drag the kayak onto solid ice."

Dimensions

L- 49 in
W- 8 1/2 in
H- 4 1/4 in

Credits

Nunivak, Anchorage Museum 1982.034.001AB


Qerruinaq Sealskin FloatSeal Float

Description

Frank Andrew said: "We never went without floats in open water on the ocean. We kept them inflated in case we happened to capsize while we were alone in a place with no ice."

Dimensions

L- 36 in
Diameter- 18 in

Credits

Prepared by Martina John of Toksook Bay, 2007,
Anchorage Museum


Negcik GaffGaff

Description

Gaffs supported grass mats as a windbreak while the hunters rested on the ice.

Dimensions

L- 72 in
W- 9 in
H- 2 in

Credits

Gaff made by Noah Andrew, Sr., 2007,
Anchorage Museum

 

Imarnitek Seal-gut ParkaSealskin Parka

Description

Seal-gut parka made by Neva Rivers from the intestines of a single bearded seal, with a wide hem made to fit snugly over the kayak's cockpit coaming.

Neva Rivers said, "It was their shield. Wind will not enter whatsoever, and the heat will stay inside. It is a useful item after it was a useless intestine. How smart!"

Theresa Moses recalled: "When we wore seal gut parkas, when we got thirsty, we'd look for lakes with fresh water and put some in the lower part of the garment to carry back so that others could drink, and the water wouldn't leak out.

Dimensions

L- 45 3/4 in
W- 6 1/4 in
H- 42 1/2 in

Credits

Anchorage Museum 2005.024.001


Ivrucik Waterproof Skin BootsSkin Boots

Description

"Men who were able to go seal hunting never went without them," recalled Phillip Moses.

Dimensions

W- 10 3/4 in
H- 43 1/4 in
Diameter- 26 in

Credits

Rosalie Paniyak, Chevak, 1978.
Anchorage Museum 1978.037.003



Arilluuk Salmon-skin MittensSalmon Skin Mittens

Description

Phillip Moses said: "They always had their mittens set out in the kayak ready for use. They would also put them beside them, along with their seal gut parka."

Dimensions

L- 11 3/4 in
W- 5 1/2 in
H- 3 in

Credits

Anchorage Museum Association Acquisition Fund,
Anchorage Museum 1976.053.001



Anguarun PaddleNarrow Blade Paddle

Description

Paddle with narrow blade used in coastal waters. Paul John said, "If the blade was wide, as you lifted it up in the wind, it would be pushed back, making it difficult for you to switch sides."

Dimensions

L- 57 in
W- 4 1/4 in
Diameter- 1 1/2 in

Credits

J. A. Jacobsen, 1882, Togiak,
Ethnologisches Museum Berlin IVA4589



Anguarun Paddle with Wide BladeWide Blade Paddle

Description

Paddle with wide blade, used for power paddling on the Yukon River. Frank Andrew said, "When one knows how to paddle, it is like going with an outboard motor."

Dimensions

L- 61 1/4 in
W- 6 1/2 in
Diameter- 1 1/2 in

Credits

J. A. Jacobsen, 1882,
Ethnologisches Museum Berlin IVA5597



Next

 

 


Copyright 2008-15, All Rights Reserved.
No Replication of Images or Design without Express Written Permission.