Mask
Yup'ik
early 20th century
drift wood, spruce root, metal
AB 1132
Yup'ik masks made the invisible visible. They are the physical representations of encounters with the spirit world. Spiritual leaders design the masks to represent beings they have seen while in a trance. Every element and motif of a mask has a special purpose, the meaning of which is known only to the creator of the mask.
Parka
Bering Sea
early 20th century
seal gut, sinew, seal fur
AB 274
Waterproof parkas such as this were made by cleaning seal intestine and sewing it into a waterproof garment. They were worn by men when travelling by qajait (kayak).
Man's Parka
Ungava Inuit
mid 20th century
bird skin
R2451.1
The caribou's hollow hair made caribou skins the best material for making parkas. Sometimes, when these animals could not be found, other material was used. Feathers also make good insulation. This parka was made by sewing bird skins together.
Model Qajait
Aleut (Alaska)
mid 20th century
seal intestine, wood
AB 666 a-b
The qajait (kayak) is an extremely efficient water craft. The frame is made of small pieces of wood, fitted together in a flexible and sturdy arrangement. The covering is walrus hide. Different qajait forms were developed for the different water conditions throughout the Arctic.
Summer Living on the Land
Wall hanging, made by Kanayak, Central Arctic
1960s
natural dyes on blue duffle backing; all imagery is stitched by hand
AB 1609
In the 1960s, experimentation with making dyes from plants grew. Wool that was coloured with these dyes reflected the subtle beauty of a summer Arctic landscape. Unfortunately, Arctic plants grow slowly and the project was abandoned for fear of depleting the flora.
