Up'nerkami: Qamigarluteng
In the Spring: Seal Hunting on the Ice
Up'nerkaq [In the spring] as the weather warms and the sea ice begins to break up, people would venture out in their qayat [kayaks] to hunt imarpigmiutaat [sea mammals] such as issurinek [spotted seals] and asvernek [walrus]. The people living at Nunalleq were using a range of equipment for hunting marine mammals.Tegutet [Harpoons] could be used from the ice edge to catch seals as they surfaced while nanerpiit [spears] with a nuqaq [throwing board] were used for extra leverage when launched from a qayaq [kayak]. Scientific analysis of material excavated from Nunalleq shows that their diet included issurinek [seals], asvernek [walruses] and cetuanek [beluga] from the imarpik [ocean]. The importance of seals for the people living at Nunalleq is evidenced by the abundance of carved representations of these animals.
Throwing Spear Animation
Click the image below to view a 3D animation of a throwing spear
Throwing Spear Workshop
Click on the image below to view a short film about spear throwing
Up'nerkami: Yaqulegcurluteng Makiraluteng-llu
In the Spring: Bird Hunting and Gathering Greens
As the days become longer and weather improves up'nerkami [during springtime], Yupiit people would be out on the land yaqulegcurluteng [hunting birds] and makiraluteng [gathering greens]. Yaqulget [Birds] were a welcome source of fresh meat after the winter months subsisting mostly on preserved food. The Nunalleq excavations recovered a range of equipment for hunting birds including yaqulegcurcuun [bolas], nuiret [darts] and nuusaarpiit [three-pronged spears]. Bird amit [skins] and melqut [feathers] were also used for clothing.
Photo Story - Earl Atchak
Click on the image below to view a photo story with Earl Atchak about splitting wood for a throwing spear
Up'nerkami: Qanemcit - Nunallermi Anguyautellratni
In the Spring: Oral Histories – The War at Nunalleq
Qulirat [traditional tales and narratives] have a strong oral tradition within Yupiit culture. Stories were accurately passed down over generations and often served to impart qanruyutet [rules for good living] or information about events and places. Long before archaeological excavations began, local people in Quinhagak told the qanemciq [story] of a fatal attack on the people of Nunalleq following a feud with a neighbouring village.
As the archaeological excavations progressed, compelling evidence to support this narrative was uncovered including a burned house floor and hundreds of arrow points. The nepiaq [sod house] at Nunalleq was occupied during anguyiim nalliini [time of warring] when battles raged across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Archaeological evidence from this period of occupation includes war pitegcautet [arrows], fragments of armor and iconography which changes from masks and carvings depicting smiling seals and caribou in peacetime, to fierce wolves during wartime.
Photo Story - Burnt Layers Excavation
Click on the image below to view a photo story about the excavation of the burnt layers of the sod house at Nunalleq
Kiagmi: Elaumallrit
In the Summer: The Archaeological Excavations
For over a decade, each summer Qanirtuuq Inc. and an international team led by archaeologists from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland have been racing against ulerpak [rising tides] and melting kumlaneq [permafrost] to excavate the remains of a late pre-contact Yup'ik settlement on Alaska's Bering Sea coast. The excavations have revealed a late pre-contact Yup'ik settlement dating back to c. AD 1570-1675 a time of which very little was previously known in Yup'ik history. Today, the archaeological collection is housed at the Nunalleq Museum in the nearby village of Quinhagak. To date, it is the largest collection of pre-contact Yup'ik yugtat [artifacts] ever excavated.
Climate & Nunalleq
Click on the image below to view a short film about climate and Nunalleq
Kiagmi: Segluteng Kuigem Cen̄iini
In the Summer: Cutting Fish on the River
For Yupiit people in Quinhagak today, fishing for neqet [salmon] on the Qanirtuuq [Kanektok River] and Agalik [Arolik River] remains an industrious effort each summer. People used kuvyat [nets], taluyat [fish-traps] and spear-fishing techniques to bring in huge numbers of fish which would segluteng [be cut] and processed using uluat [semi-circular knives]. The fish would kinerluteng [be dried] and puyurrluteng [smoked] or dug into ash-lined pits to ferment to preserve it for leaner months. Fish was not only a source of food for people and dog teams, but fish-skin was also cleaned and processed to make bags, boots and clothing.
Photo Story - Sonita Cleveland
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Sonita Cleveland's fishskin tanning
Kiagmi: Iqvarluteng Aquiluteng-llu
In the Summer: Berry Picking and Playing Outside
Atsalugpiat [Salmonberries], surat, [blueberries] and tan'gerpiit [blackberries] are among the multitude of tundra atsat [berries] which ripen towards the end of the summer in Alaska. Qantat [Bentwood vessels] and issratet [grass baskets] full of berries would be gathered and stored in caribou fat to make akutaq [lit: mixed thing], a treat still enjoyed in Alaska today. Time out on the tundra could also be a valuable time of learning for younger family members. Young children would practice firing arrows at small birds and many of the naanguat [toys] excavated from Nunalleq represent activities like kayaking which children would learn to master as young adults.
Kayak Toy
We find many tiny figurines and qayaq [kayak] toys at Nunalleq which often have a groove to fit the tapered base of the figurine. As well as the qayaq [kayak] models themselves, we also find tiny paddles, harpoons and other toy hunting accessories.
Click the image below to view a 3D model of a toy kayak
Uksuarmi: Avurluteng Canegnek Cen̄ami
In the Fall: Gathering Grass at the Beach
Can'get [Grass] was an essential resource for the people living at Nunalleq and had a range of uses. The type of grass used, taperrnat [coarse seashore grass], grows along the coast and would be avurluki [gathered] by women in the fall. Recently thawed permafrost at Nunalleq means that grass and other organic artifacts which would usually degrade very quickly in soil have been perfectly preserved. At Nunalleq, dried grass was tupigluki [woven] into issratet [grass bags] and mats of various sizes, braided into piirralluk [rope] and stuffed into shoes and clothing as extra insulation. Another fall subsistence practice that remains popular today is pakissaagyaraq [digging for cotton grass roots ('mouse food')] with root picks. They are eaten raw or mixed into akutaq [lit: mixed thing]. Women's naqugutet [belts] would often be used to carry tools when out on the land.
Photo Story - Pauline Beebe
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Pauline Beebe and her grass crafts
Uksuarmi: Tuntussurluteng Ingrini
In the Fall: Hunting Caribou in the Mountains
Fall was a time for hunting larger nunamiutaat [land-based game] like tuntut [caribou] and melqulget [trapping animals] like paluqtaat [beavers] and qanganaat [squirrels]. Caribou were hunted with urluveq [bow] and pitegcautet [arrow] or throwing spears. As is still the case today, people would travel into the foothills and mountains to the southwest to qavartarluteng [camp] and pissurluteng [hunt]. Many artifacts made from caribou eneq [bone] and ciruneq [antler] or objects representing caribou iconography have been excavated from Nunalleq.
Photo Story - Jacqueline Cleveland
Click on the image below to view a photo story with Jacqueline Cleveland talking about hunting trips in the mountains
Uksuarmi: Neqkanek Uptellerkaanek Uksumek & Calinguarluteng-llu Tulurnek
In the Fall: Preserving Food for Winter & Ivory Carving
As uksuaq [fall] came to an end Yupiit people would spend more time around the villages making final preparations for winter by packing away food for the coming months. As the days grew shorter men would spend time carving and maintaining hunting equipment for the coming year. Calinguarluteng [Carving] tulurnek [ivory] is still practiced by Yupiit people today, albeit using modern powered equipment. At Nunalleq carvers artfully crafted delicate aqlitet [earrings], tuutat [labrets] and decorated equipment like toggles from ivory using ussukatat [bow drills] and carving tools with bits made from ground and polished teggalqupiaq [hard stone].
Photo Story - John Smith & Anna Roberts
Click on the image below to view a photo story with John Smith talking about carving and Anna Roberts talking about making earrings
Uksumi: Yurarluteng Cauyarluteng-llu Qasgimi
In the Winter: Dancing and Drumming in the Qasgiq
Uksuq [Winter] in Yupiit villages was a time for feasting and celebrating life. A series of elaborate annual festivals were held in the qasgiq - a community gathering house. Qulirat qanemcit-llu [legends and stories] were told about adventures which emphasized the qanruyutet [rules for right living]. Food and gifts were distributed by those who could afford it which ratified their social status among the people. Masked performances yuarutet [songs], and yuraq [Yup'ik dancing] expressed and maintained the all-important respect relationships between people, animals and the spirit world. The beautifully made kegginaqut [masks] and ceremonial regalia found at Nunalleq are very similar to those used in Yupiit winter ceremonies four centuries later into the 20th century. The living memories of those ceremonies and the continuity of dancing and masking traditions today have been crucial for our understanding of the artifacts from Nunalleq.
Drum Animation
Click the image below to view a 3D animation of a drum
Drum Making Workshop
Click on the image below to view a short film about drum making
Uksumi: Iqsagluteng Anluatgun
Winter: Fishing Through the Ice
Uksumi [During the winter] when the days are shorter and resources less abundant, activities like iqsalleq [ice fishing] provided a welcome source of fresh food. The Nunalleq excavations revealed an abundance of fishing gear including a beautifully carved iqsak [lure] in the shape of fish used for jigging through anluat [holes cut in the ice]. In the winter people would travel on the frozen rivers and across the tundra by dog team and ikamratgun [by dogsleds]. Qimugtet [dogs] at Nunalleq were well cared for, young puppies sheltered together in the sod house with the people. Dog teams were fed a rich diet of salmon and allowed to feast on spoiled sea mammals that washed ashore in the spring.
Photo Story - Ice Fishing with Achillies
Click on the image below to view a photo story about ice fishing with four year old Achillies Shriner
Click on the image below to view short movie: four year old Achillies Shriner hooks another smelt while ice fishing with his mom, Lynn Church. [Video: Lynn Church]
Uksumi: Akluliluteng Callmagluteng-llu
Winter: Making and Mending Clothing
More time was spent indoors in the villages during the long winter months when women would callmagluteng [mend clothing] and akluliluteng [make new garments] ready for the spring. It is often said that one of the most essential and valued pieces of equipment for Yupiit people was a kakivik [sewing bag] including a mingquciivik [needle case]. Girls began mingqelleq [sewing] from a young age, often learning by first making miniature clothing for their irniaruat [dolls]. The Nunalleq collection contains a number of dolls, many have remnants of red ochre paint and in some cases, preserved fur clothing.
Needle Case Animation
Click the image below to view a 3D animation of a needle case
Photo Story - Sonita Cleveland & Catherine Beebe
Click on the image below to view a photo story with Sonita Cleveland's crafts and Catherine Beebe's qaspeqs.
Nigaugek: Snow goggles
GDN-248:22465
Materials: wood
Description:
A complete pair of wooden nigaugek or snow goggles prevented snow blindness from snow and ice in the bright light of spring. They were also useful in strong wind and helped people with bad eyes with distance vision.
Canguaq: Bentwood hat decoration
GDN-248:75865
Materials: ivory
Description:
This well carved walrus ivory image of the back end of a diving seal was designed to be a canguaq or decoration attached to a bentwood hunter’s hat.
Caguyaq: Bentwood visor fragment
GDN-248:75378
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Elaborately decorated caguyaq or bentwood hats and visors shielded the eyes of kayakers from glare on the water and were highly prized. Only fragments of them have been found so far.
Aklegaq: Seal hunting spear distal end
GDN-248:93473
Materials: wood
Description:
The distal end of a wooden shaft for a aklegaq or seal-hunting spear has been carefully hollowed to fit a bone socket piece into which the harpoon point was plugged.
Watching & Learning
Eddie Teeluk explains how he learned to make darts and spears as a teenager by watching his father
Aklegaq: Spear shaft
GDN-248:35684
Materials: wood
Description:
Aklegaq or dart/spear shafts at Nunalleq used a uniquely designed system for inserting and holding socket pieces, which held harpoon points, not seen elsewhere in the north. The bases of the socket pieces were made with a small bump that snapped into a matching hole carved into the cone-shaped end of the dart shaft. This held it firmly and may have allowed the socket pieces to be changed as needed.
Watching & Learning
Eddie Teeluk explains how he learned to make darts and spears as a teenager by watching his father
Aklegaq: Seal hunting spear fragment
GDN-248:87375
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Wooden shaft fragment of an aklegaq or seal hunting spear. Dart shafts found at Nunalleq were painted with red ocher. This is the butt end of the dart that fit into the groove of a throwing board.
Watching & Learning
Eddie Teeluk explains how he learned to make darts and spears as a teenager by watching his father
Cingilek: Socket piece
GDN-248:4264
Materials: bone
Description:
Made from dense walrus bone, this is a cingilek or socket piece for a nagiiquyaq or seal-hunting spear. The end of the socket piece still retains its original wooden insert that the pointed base of the point plugged into.
Aangruyak: Socket piece from a killing lance
GDN-248:24683
Materials: ivory
Description:
A weathered but complete socket piece made from walrus ivory was used in an aangruyak, or killing lance. A wood foreshaft and its large ground slate lance point was plugged into the hole in the top.
Kukgarat: Barbed point
GDN-248:71062
Materials: antler
Description:
A kukgarat or barbed point made from caribou antler. The conical end plugged into the wood-lined socket piece of an aklegaq or seal hunting spear.
Ownership Points
Eddie Teeluk explains the rules of seal hunting
Nuqaq: Throwing board
GDN-248:75586
Materials: wood
Description:
A nuqaq (also called an atlatl) or throwing board has a grip and widely spaced finger pegs indicate that it belonged to a hunter with large hands. The handle has also been scorched by fire, possibly as part of a ritual act before it was discarded.
Throwing Board & Spear
Eddie Teeluk explains why a throwing board and spear is used first before harpooning
Aklicaraq: Peg from throwing board
GDN-248:75851
Materials: antler
Description:
This caribou antler aklicaraq or peg was part of a nuqaq (also called an atlatl) or throwing board. It was fitted into the top of the groove in the throwing board that held the dart where it kept the dart from slipping during the throw.
Throwing Board & Spear
Eddie Teeluk explains why a throwing board and spear is used first before harpooning
Cavek: Toggling point
GDN-248:23516
Materials: antler, slate
Description:
Made from caribou antler, this cavek or toggling point was found with a broken umi, a triangular ground slate endblade, still in place.
Toggling Point
Eddie Teeluk describes how strong traditional points can be when embedded in a seal
Keviq: Wound plug
GDN-248:27893
Materials: wood
Description:
Hunters inserted wooden keviq or plugs into the wounds of killed seals to prevent the loss of blood. Cordage fit into the groove on top so it could be tied onto the seal’s skin. Seal blood was added to soups and stews and considered important for the health of both body and soul.
Caacungauq: Seal carving
GDN-248:76737
Materials: wood
Description:
A simple but vivid carving of a seal on an otherwise unmodified sliver of wood. The seal is shown with eyes and nostrils wide open as just before diving, an image that any Bering Sea kayaker would be familiar with. It is a caacungauq or carved item.
Seal Hunting
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the changes to subsistence practices like seal hunting as increasing permafrost melt affects the salinity of the water
Egkuaq: Semi-circular knife handle
GDN-248:23918
Materials: fossil ivory
Description:
This seal-shaped uluaq handle was carved from mammoth ivory. The skeletal motif used to show stylized spine and ribs is an ancient design used for thousands of years across the arctic and is related to shamanistic beliefs.
Kegginaquq: Smiling seal mask
GDN-248:45297
Materials: wood
Description:
Seal kegginaquq or mask recovered from debris covering a house floor, ca. AD 1570–1630. Twin labret holes under the corners of the mouth may suggest human-animal transformation or possibly an extraordinary being such as qununiq or ‘a seal person’. Seal representations at the site are identified by the form of the nose. Suspension holes are intact on the reverse.
Kegginaquq: Seal mask
GDN-248:76726
Materials: wood
Description:
Broken seal kegginaquq or mask. This half of the mask was found by Yup'ik local Roy Mark by a post in association with the earlier house. Although, it is damaged, the distinctive form of the carved nose suggests it is a seal.
Ayapervik: Coaming stanchion
GDN-248:9083
Materials: wood
Description:
Ayapervik or coaming stanchions, attached the cockpit ring to the rest of the kayak frame and were the last frame pieces to be lashed on. They were important because they supported the kayaker’s weight as they climbed into the boat. Like bow pieces, these were made from the curved part of tree stumps for extra strength.
Kayak
Elder Joshua Cleveland remembers going out on the water in a qayaq [kayak] as a passenger when he was a child
Amuvik: Kayak bow fragment
GDN-248:76573
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Although a bit battered and broken, this is still a good example of an amuvik or lower bow piece from a kayak. These were made from nasqunaq or driftwood stumps which were both strong and had a curved grain that matched the upswept shape of the bow piece.
Kayak
Elder Joshua Cleveland remembers going out on the water in a qayaq [kayak] as a passenger when he was a child
Apamaq: Kayak gunwale
GDN-248:46994
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
An apamaq or kayak gunwale. Kayaks were often manufactured and repaired at Nunalleq and wooden kayak frame parts are common finds. Kayak gunwales were made from prized straight grain wood so broken ones were saved for recycling into other objects.
Kayak
Elder Joshua Cleveland remembers going out on the water in a qayaq [kayak] as a passenger when he was a child
Amuvik: Kayak bow fragment
GDN-248:86386
Materials: wood, baleen
Description:
This nearly complete amuvik or lower bow piece from a kayak was found in a side room of the large sod house at Nunalleq where it had been last used as a target in a dart game. It still has the remains of baleen cordage that once lashed it to the rest of the kayak frame.
Kayak
Elder Joshua Cleveland remembers going out on the water in a qayaq [kayak] as a passenger when he was a child
Engevyaraq: Toggle
GDN-248:NC005
Materials: tooth
Description:
Made from a walrus molar, this engevyaraq or toggle was used to attach harpoon points onto the main harpoon line. Toggles were often elaborately carved to show respect to the sea mammals who would reward a respectful hunter by giving themselves to him.
Anguarun: Single-bladed paddle fragment
GDN-248:12141
Materials: wood
Description:
A fragment of an anguarun, a single-bladed kayak paddle. This piece is from the midsection, where the handle joins the blade. Double-bladed paddles are known from historic times however there is so far no evidence for them at Nunalleq in that toy and miniature carvings of kayak paddles all have single blades.
Qaquaq: Paddle handle
GDN-248:28024
Materials: wood
Description:
Kayak paddle stems and handles were oval in cross-section for an easier grip. When hunting at sea a hunter could listen to the sounds of sea mammals and fish by inserting the paddle into the water and putting his ear on the handle. This example has a qaquaq or ball like paddle grip.
Akagyailkutet: Deck spear holder
GDN-248:78051
Materials: antler
Description:
An akagyailkutet or kayak deck spear holder was made of antler. Like other examples from Nunalleq, it has the clutching hand motif.
Throwing Spear
Use the slider bar to 'explode' this 3D reconstruction of a spear and throwing board from the Nunalleq collection. The reconstruction is based on Earl Atchak's replica and uses artefacts from the collection, while the missing or incomplete pieces are represented in plain white.
- Nuqaq [Throwing board]
- Nanerpak [Throwing spear]
- Kukgarcuar & Qillervik [Barbed point used with spears thrown with a throwing board]
- Nakrutet [Flight stabilising feathers]
- Qayiarun & Kinguliraq [Sinew line]
- Cingilek [Socket piece]
Click on the image below to view a short clip in which Eddie Teeluk demonstrates how to test a spear so it balances correctly in the water
Click on the image below to view a short clip in which Eddie Teeluk demonstrates how an individual should measure themselves for their throwing board and spear length
Canguaq : Bird decoration
GDN-248:75869
Materials: ivory
Description:
An ivory carving of a bird with holes for attachment to a larger object such as a bentwood hunter's hat. It is a canguaq or figurative decoration.
Animal Figurines
Chuna McIntyre offers an insight into the use of animal figurines
Naanguaq or qirussiq: Ptarmigan carving
GDN-248:29833
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden carving of a ptarmigan has a slit in its base. It may have been either a naanguaq or toy, or intended as a qirussiq or decorative attachment to a dance stick or mask hoop.
Animal Figurines
Chuna McIntyre offers an insight into the use of animal figurines
Kegginaquq: Bird mask
GDN-248:23893
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Full-sized kegginaquq or mask recovered in three articulating fragments in a trash pit associated with the later house on the site (ca. 1620–1675). The mask is shaped as the body of a waterfowl. The lower part (supposedly originally shaped as a bird head) is broken. A nasal decoration, resembling female nose beads, is burned under the nose. Eyebrows are drawn in black. There is a burned, round ownership mark on the backside of the mask.
Yup'ik Song
Charlie Roberts describes his favourite yuraq [traditional Yup'ik dance] song about a man travelling on the land and making bird calls
Nuusaat: Barbed prong from bird spear
GDN-248:77241
Materials: antler
Description:
Barbed prongs made from ivory, antler or bone were attached to nuusaat, arrows or bird spears, in groups of two or more prongs. If a point on the end of the dart or arrow didn’t strike home, the side prongs could still trap a wing or leg.
Nuusaarpak: Hafted bird spear
GDN-248:75692
Materials: wood, antler
Description:
This shaft fragment from a three-pronged bird spear shaft, or nuusaarpak still retains one of its original prongs, a rare find.
Akitnaq: Bird arrow with blunt tip
GDN-248:77237
Materials: antler
Description:
An arrow point made from caribou antler designed to kill a bird without puncturing its skin. Bird skins were sewn with feathers left on to in make warm parkas. It is an akitnaq or bird arrow with blunt tip.
Akitnaq: Bird arrow with blunt tip
GDN-248:78088
Materials: ivory
Description:
A well-made ivory arrow point designed to kill a bird but not damage its useful skin, used on an akitnaq, a blunt-tipped bird arrow.
Cingilek: Bird dart socket piece
GDN-248:26747
Materials: wood, antler
Description:
A cingilek or socket piece intended for hunting birds on the water. The bird spear was designed to skip across the water until it struck the target. The socket's end is lined with wood into which a barbed or blunted point was inserted. Additional barbed points were attached around the shaft of the bird spear to increase the chances of hitting a fleeing bird.
Avleqaghtat: Bola
GDN-248:14571
Materials: tooth, sinew
Description:
This is a piece of an avleqaghtat or bola used in bird hunting. Originally the bola would be made up from four or five of these weights, tied with sinew or grass. The weights would fan out in the air and wrap around low flying birds on impact.
Ekiarqin: Wedge
GDN-248:23237
Materials: antler
Description:
An antler ekiarqin or wedge. Bone and antler wedges could be sharpened to a finer angle than wooden ones and were used to split driftwood into thinner pieces for objects like kayak ribs or bowl rims. Like other prized objects, this tool bears an ownership mark.
Uluryatar: Maul
GDN-248:81251
Materials: wood
Description:
Carved from a single piece of log, this heavy uluryatar or maul was to pound wedges into driftwood logs or drive stakes into the ground. Its sides are battered from heavy use.
Kepun: Adze Blade
GDN-248:11443
Materials: stone
Description:
Chipped into rough shape from hard stone, then ground and polished, the edge on this adze blade remains as sharp as a typical modern steel axe.
Kepun: Adze handle
GDN-248:4266
Materials: wood
Description:
This is part of a kepun or adze. Adze handles were often made from the lateral roots of tree stumps or mimernaq, taking advantage of the strength of the naturally curved grain of the wood.
Ekiarqin: Wedge
GDN-248:75811
Materials: ivory
Description:
A broken tip of a large ekiarqin or wedge is made from walrus ivory. Ekiarqin were essential tools for reducing driftwood logs into smaller pieces which were in turn split by smaller and sharper wedges into the sizes needed.
Ekiarqin: Wedge
GDN-248:81245
Materials: wood
Description:
Ekiarqin or wedges made from wood, bone and antler were used for splitting driftwood into useful pieces. Along with the adze and carving knife wedges make up the traditional Yup’ik woodworking tool kit. The burned mark on the side of this wedge is an ownership mark.
Iqukeggutet: Carving tool
GDN-248:24621
Materials: antler, tooth
Description:
This iqukeggutet or carving tool has a caribou antler handle which is very weathered but still holds its original beaver incisor bit. These tools left beaver tooth marks on the back of masks and other carved objects from Nunalleq.
Earl Atchak uses an axe and wedges to split a log of straight-grained-wood ready to make a hunting spear. Historically late winter and early spring was a time to make and mend new hunting equipment ready for the coming season. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Woodworking
Earl Atchak speaks about woodworking and the importance of respecting even the smallest wood shavings
Earl Atchak works on a piece of straight-grained-wood using an adze with a modern metal blade. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Woodworking
Earl Atchak speaks about woodworking and the importance of respecting even the smallest wood shavings
Earl Atchak demonstrates the traditional way to measure a hunting spear for an individual: from one elbow to the tip of a finger on the opposite arm. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Woodworking
Earl Atchak speaks about woodworking and the importance of respecting even the smallest wood shavings
Earl Atchak's adze lies on the floor of his workshop, surrounded by wood shavings. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Woodworking
Earl Atchak speaks about woodworking and the importance of respecting even the smallest wood shavings
Yaaruin: Story knife
GDN-248:2723
Materials: wood
Description:
A complete wooden yaaruin or story knife. It is simply made but the same shape as story knives used by girls into modern times to sketch symbols that tell stories into the sand or muddy ground.
Story Knife
Elder Pauline Beebe and Dora Strunk remember using a yaaruin [story knife] to play and draw stories in the silt when they were children
Inuguaq: Stick doll
GDN-248:23174
Materials: wood
Description:
Inuguaq or stick doll with two faces.
Oral Histories
Earl Atchak remembers hearing a story about the accuracy of oral histories and how men would throw short carved sticks (similar to the 'stick dolls' from Nunalleq) at a storyteller if he made a mistake
Inuguaq: Stick doll
GDN-248:27820
Materials: wood
Description:
Inuguaq or stick doll with two faces.
Oral Histories
Earl Atchak remembers hearing a story about the accuracy of oral histories and how men would throw short carved sticks (similar to the 'stick dolls' from Nunalleq) at a storyteller if he made a mistake
Inuguaq: Stick doll
GDN-248:23213
Materials: wood
Description:
Inuguaq or stick doll with multiple distorted faces.
Oral Histories
Earl Atchak remembers hearing a story about the accuracy of oral histories and how men would throw short carved sticks (similar to the 'stick dolls' from Nunalleq) at a storyteller if he made a mistake
Qat'gailitaq: Armor
GDN-248:2808
Materials: antler
Description:
Plates of caribou antler were sewn together to create qat'gailitaq or armor to provide protection against enemy arrows during times of war. Similar armor was used throughout coastal Alaska but may have been derived from armor used in Asia.
Arrows & War
Earl Atchak describes the characteristics of an arrow used for war
Bow & Arrow Wars
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Qat'gailitaq: Armor
GDN-248:77187
Materials: antler
Description:
Caribou antler qat'gailitaq or armor plate. Dozens of plates like this were needed to make a single armor vest.
Arrows & War
Earl Atchak describes the characteristics of an arrow used for war
Bow & Arrow Wars
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Pitegcaun: Arrow shaft
GDN-248:45320
Materials: wood
Description:
A complete wooden shaft for a pitegcaun or arrow. Arrow shafts were carefully made from unarciaq, straight grained wood. The pointed base of an arrow point fit into a small hole on its end. This way different kinds of arrow points could be inserted as needed. The notch at the end for the string is called the teru.
Arrows & War
Earl Atchak describes the characteristics of an arrow used for war
Bow & Arrow Wars
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Anguyagcuun: Warfare arrow
GDN-248:4721
Materials: antler, slate
Description:
The end of an antler arrow point still retains it original umi, a triangular ground slate endblade. Scorched by fire, it was found in the remains of the sod house destroyed during the bow and arrow wars and may in fact have been one of the arrows fired by the attackers. As such, this could be an anguyagcuun or weapon of war.
Arrows & War
Earl Atchak describes the characteristics of an arrow used for war
Bow & Arrow Wars
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Kegginaquq: Wolf mask
GDN-248:23886
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Human-wolf transformation kegginaquq or mask. Recovered during in 2013, this was the first complete full-sized mask found at Nunalleq. It was found face down in a large trash pit, adjacent to the later house at the site, ca. AD 1620-167. Both human and wolf features are combined here, depicting a transformation in process. There are tiny holes inside the jaws where teeth once were inserted. The tip of the nose is broken. The traces of silver paint, made possibly of ground mica, are preserved. Suspension holes are intact on the reverse of the mask. Wolf imagery is present in other art pieces from the late occupation of the site as well, which was terminated by a violent attack during a period of pre-contact warfare known to Yup'ik oral history as the 'bow-and-arrow wars'. Local oral history relates that the residents of Nunalleq called themselves 'the people of the wolf' to underscore their proficiency as fierce warriors.
Wolf Mask
Chuna McIntyre describes the wolf mask in the Nunalleq collection
Archaeological Finds
Archaeologist Rick Knecht describes the archaeological finds from the excavation which show a shift in iconography as war in the region intensified
Egkuaq: Semi-circular knife handle
GDN-248:22462
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden uluaq (slate knife) handle carved in the form of a pair of outward facing and toothsome wolf heads. Wolves were frequently depicted in artwork from Nunalleq.
Tapruartaq: Labret
GDN-248:78067
Materials: serpentine
Description:
This tapruartaq or stone labret has been finely ground from serpentine. Stone labrets like this could be beautiful but would have been less comfortable to wear than those made from wood. The back of the labret has been hollowed to lessen pressure on the lower gum. It was probably worn by a person of very high status.
Labrets
Chuna McIntyre discusses people wearing labrets in the past for beauty and as an indicator of their social standing
Social Hierarchy
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the complex social hierarchy at Nunalleq, expressed through material culture like labrets
Tuutaq: Round labret
GDN-248:24092
Materials: wood
Description:
A large wooden tuutaq or labret bears the image of a bearded seal. Labret designs found at Nunalleq signified the social status of the wearer, in this case possibly kinship because labrets with bearded seal designs were found concentrated in one large room of the sod house.
Labrets
Chuna McIntyre discusses people wearing labrets in the past for beauty and as an indicator of their social standing
Social Hierarchy
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the complex social hierarchy at Nunalleq, expressed through material culture like labrets
Uivvsak: Labret
GDN-248:14504
Materials: tooth
Description:
A uivvsak or round labret made from a walrus molar is marked with an X on the top, possibly referring to the ‘X’ design ownership marks seen on the bottom of several bowls from Nunalleq. Such ownership marks were inherited and passed down through families.
Labrets
Chuna McIntyre discusses people wearing labrets in the past for beauty and as an indicator of their social standing
Social Hierarchy
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the complex social hierarchy at Nunalleq, expressed through material culture like labrets
Tuutaq: Labret
GDN-248:78120
Materials: calcite
Description:
Calcite, a form of limestone, may have been chosen as a labret material for its resemblance to ivory. Tuutaq or labrets of this style are found throughout Southwest Alaska and the Aleutians.
Labrets
Chuna McIntyre discusses people wearing labrets in the past for beauty and as an indicator of their social standing
Social Hierarchy
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the complex social hierarchy at Nunalleq, expressed through material culture like labrets
The charred remains of a dog from Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Attack on Nunalleq
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Archaeologists excavate the burnt layers of the sod house at Nunalleq which was attacked during the Bow and Arrow Wars in the 17th century. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Attack on Nunalleq
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
Burnt house posts and charred pottery on the house floor at Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Attack on Nunalleq
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
A cache of slate end blades excavated from the Nunalleq sod house. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Attack on Nunalleq
Warren Jones remembers hearing the story of the attack on Nunalleq when he was small
An aerial view of the archaeological trench at Nunalleq during the 2018 summer excavation season. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Excavating at Nunalleq
Volunteer Alice Bailey describes the experience of excavating at Nunalleq
Archaeologists Rick Knecht and Anna Mossolova carefully lift a recently uncovered mask from the boardwalk of the excavated sod house. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Archaeologist Anna Mossolova with a complete seal mask excavated from Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Seal Mask Find
Archaeologist Anna Mossolova recalls the day she found the seal mask
An aerial view of one of the boardwalks from Nunalleq. These boardwalks connected rooms in the sod house. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Living in a Sod House
Elder Joshua Cleveland remembers living in a sod house seasonally as a child
Archaeologist Alice Watterson excavating at Nunalleq in 2017. In the background Veronique Forbes returns from screening buckets of soil to check for small finds, while Jonathan Lim takes daily survey points of finds in the trench. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Local Elder John Smith and anthropologist Sven Haakanson pose with smiling dolls excavated from Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
A doll freshly excavated from Nunalleq in 2018, still vividly coloured by red ochre paint. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
A gaming dart and kayak prow (reused as a dart board) found in-situ on the house floor during the Nunalleq excavations. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Yup'ik artist and mask carver Drew Michael grins as he holds up a maskette he found while digging at Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Conservator Francis Lukezic working on conservation of a child's bow made from baleen. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Baleen Bow
Conservator Francis Lukezic describes the baleen bow she is working on
Archaeologist Anna Mossolova and local volunteer Meta Akiqaralria Williams hard at work cataloguing the Nunalleq collection, shelves behind them hold wooden artefacts being conserved in PEG. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
PEG
Conservator Francis Lukezic describes the process of using PEG to stabilise and conserve wooden artefacts from Nunalleq
Elder John Smith examines a model kayak excavated moments before by archaeologist Alice Watterson. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Elder John Smith takes a closer look at a caribou or bear mask while volunteer John Rundall watches. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Back at the University of Aberdeen conservator Julie Masson-MacLean works on reconstructing a large ceramic cooking vessel from Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Back at the University of Aberdeen conservator Julie Masson-MacLean carefully cleans a grass bag from Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Anthropologist Sven Haakanson carefully lifts a grass artefact from the house floor. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Archaeologist Lise Bos carefully cleans a complete bentwood vessel ready for photography before lifting it. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Bentwood Vessel
Archaeologist Lise Bos remembers finding a complete bentwood vessel
Local volunteer Meta Akiqaralria Williams holds up a toy spinning top she found while screening soil from the trench. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Local volunteer Roy Mark with a seal mask he found while excavating at Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Seal Mask Find
Local volunteer Roy Mark remembers finding the seal mask
Local volunteer Roy Mark with a seal mask he found while excavating at Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Seal Mask Find
Local volunteer Roy Mark remembers finding the seal mask
Volunteer Rufus Rowe with a carved owl-seal transformation he discovered while excavating at Nunalleq. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Seal Owl Toggle
Volunteer Rufus Rowe remembers finding a carved owl-seal transformation
Archaeologists Charlotta Hillerdal and Veronique Forbes ready to head home from the dig at the end of the day with a crate full of artefacts safely stowed on the trailer. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
The Finds Crate
Conservator Francis Lukezic describes the types of artefacts she cares for at the end of each excavation day when the crate arrives from the dig
Groups of young people visiting the Nunalleq Museum to explore cabinets full of artefacts and learn about the archaeological collection. [Photo: Stephan Jones]
Artefacts in Quinhagak
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the importance of the artefacts being housed in Quinhagak
Groups of young people visiting the Nunalleq Museum to explore cabinets full of artefacts and learn about the archaeological collection. [Photo: Stephan Jones]
Artefacts in Quinhagak
Archaeologist Rick Knecht discusses the importance of the artefacts being housed in Quinhagak
The archaeology crew at lunchtime. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Soup!
Volunteer Alice Bailey remembers the day she and Sarah Brown made soup for freezing archaeologists
Archaeologist and entomologist Veronique Forbes examines her insect traps while elder John Smith watches. [Photo: Rick Knecht]
Uluaq: Semi-circular knife
GDN-248:27906
Materials: wood, slate
Description:
This uluaq or semi-circular knife with a wooden handle in the form of a seal was found complete with its ground slate blade. Thin slivers of softer wood were inserted on either side of the blade to ensure a tight fit as the slivers would swell when wet.
Uluaq: Semi-circular knife
GDN-248:75341
Materials: wood, slate
Description:
A semi-circular knife or uluaq found complete with its original kegginaq or slate blade, still sharp and hafted into its wood egkuaq or handle.
Kegginaq: Blade of semi-circular knife
GDN-248:4138
Materials: slate
Description:
Ground stone tools were very skillfully made at Nunalleq. This kegginaq or slate uluaq blade was hollow ground and features a serrated tip, very difficult to make and features seen today on the best steel knife blades.
Egkuaq: Semi-circular knife handle
GDN-248:78309
Materials: wood
Description:
This large wooden egkuaq or uluaq handle has a small burn mark on one end which is an ownership mark. The same mark exists on other large uluaq handles such as the seal-shaped handle (see 33321).
Egkuaq: Semi-circular slate knife handle
GDN-248:33321
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden uluaq handle in the form of a seal has a crescent shaped burn mark on the side which may be an ownership mark. Similar burned ownership marks have been found on bent wood bowls and other objects at Nunalleq.
Uluaq: Broken semi-circular knife
GDN-248:88580
Materials: ivory, slate
Description:
This uluaq handle in the form of a bearded seal was carved from walrus ivory. While its attached ground slate blade was relatively fragile, the handle was not. The fact that both were broken in half suggests intentional breakage, perhaps after the death of the original owner. It may have been kept as a memorial or for reworking into a new uluaq.
Kis'un: Line sinker
GDN-248:77213
Materials: bone
Description:
A kis'un or line sinker made from dense walrus jaw bone. The hole held hooked lines.
Salmon Stocks
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses recent fluctuations in local weather patterns and changes in salmon stocks during her lifetime
Kis'un: Line sinker
GDN-248:46829
Materials: antler
Description:
A caribou antler kis'un or line sinker. A number of smaller hooked lines were attached to it.
Salmon Stocks
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses recent fluctuations in local weather patterns and changes in salmon stocks during her lifetime
Nuusaarpak: Fishing or bird dart
GDN-248:23440
Materials: wood
Description:
This is wooden shaft of a nuusaarpak, spears used to hunt birds or fish. The thick end has grooves that once held three barbed prongs.
Salmon Stocks
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses recent fluctuations in local weather patterns and changes in salmon stocks during her lifetime
Kis'un: Net sinker
GDN-248:23251
Materials: bone
Description:
A kis'un or net sinker is made from a walrus rib. Tied end-to-end a line of spacer-bar sinkers like this functioned like modern day lead lines in that they kept the net from bunching.
Salmon Stocks
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses recent fluctuations in local weather patterns and changes in salmon stocks during her lifetime
Akcaniq: Fishing float
GDN-248:93439
Materials: wood, bark
Description:
An akcaniq or net float carved from cottonwood bark. Even with the permafrost conditions, fish netting was rarely preserved at Nunalleq but the samples we have appear to have been made from nettle fibre.
Salmon Stocks
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses recent fluctuations in local weather patterns and changes in salmon stocks during her lifetime
Imruyutaq: Net shuttle
GDN-248:29664
Materials: wood
Description:
An imruyutaq or net shuttle was held in one hand and a negaqeggutet, net gauge in the other while making nets. Very large net shuttles like this one were used for making nets for seals or beluga.
Fishing Net Tools
Mike Smith describes the use of fishing net tools
Negaqeggutet: Net gauge
GDN-248:78601
Materials: antler, spruce root
Description:
A negaqeggutet or net gauge made of antler still has its original split spruce root handle wrap. The mesh size it produced would have been used for smaller fish.
Negaqeggutet: Net gauge
GDN-248:22858
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden negaqeggutet or net gauge was used to make net meshes of various sizes, reflected in the width of the blade on the gauge. Most of the net gauges found at Nunalleq are very close to the size used in salmon fishing today.
Sonita Cleveland demonstrates how she pins out her fish skins to dry. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Fish Skin Leather
Sonita Cleveland describes her process to prepare fish skin leather
Sonita Cleveland holds one of her fish skin leathers to the light, showing the brilliant colours. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Fish Skin Leather
Sonita Cleveland describes her process to prepare fish skin leather
Qayaruaq: Model kayak
GDN-248:80076
Materials: wood
Description:
A simply carved wooden qayaruaq or model kayak. A miniature carving of a hunter fit into the cockpit hole. Toy hunters as well as their miniature equipment are also found at Nunalleq. It is a naanguaq or toy.
Inuguaq: Kayaker doll
GDN-248:23219
Materials: wood
Description:
Small wooden inuguaq or dolls like this one with sharply pointed bases fit into the slots in the cockpits of toy kayaks. Some toy kayaks at Nunalleq were found with the figures still in place.
Naanguaq: Toy kayak prow
GDN-248:79332
Materials: wood
Description:
One-piece toy kayaks as well as fully detailed kayak models were found at Nunalleq. They give us a rare glimpse at 17th century Yup'ik kayak design, which differs from the kayaks known in historic times. For example earlier kayaks had sharply pointed bows and lacked the ukingucuk, the upper bow with the carrying hole seen in kayaks from modern times. This is a naanguaq or toy.
Naanguaq: Toy bird spear
GDN-248:86473
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden model of a three-pronged bird spear shaft, or nuusaarpak complete with miniature inset side prongs, two of which are still in place. Probably a naanguaq or toy, or an accessory for a toy or model kayak.
Naanguaq: Toy open boat
GDN-248:75253
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden model or toy open boat. It may represent the canoes used by Athabascan speaking peoples who lived in the interior. They traded with Yup'ik settlements bringing birchbark, bentwood vessels and spruce root for coastal resources like ivory and seal oil. Yup'ik umiaks and other open boats had a much wider beam. It is a naanguaq or toy.
Urluveq: Child's bow
GDN-248:78086
Materials: baleen
Description:
An urluveq or child-sized bow made from baleen has notched sides indicating that it was reinforced with baleen backing similar to bows being used by adult men.
Play Hunting
Elder Joshua Cleveland recalls learning how to shoot using a bow and arrow as a child by play-hunting small birds on the tundra
Urluveq: Child's bow stave
GDN-248:29555
Materials: wood
Description:
A fragment of a wooden urluveq or child's bow. The notches on the sides held sinew backing that strengthened the bow, indicating that this was a faithful replica of the very powerful sinew backed bows used by adult men.
Urluveq: Child's bow stave
GDN-248:75742
Materials: wood
Description:
Small but functional urluveq or child's bows of all sizes were made for boys for fun and to teach them adult skills. The narrow part of this bow stave fragment accommodated the handle.
Pitegcaun: Painted arrows
GDN-248:47341
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
The notched end or teru of a shaft for a pitegcaun or arrow. Many arrow shaft fragments were preserved with the original painted coloring. Painted stripes of red ocher and black paint identified the owner and made a missed arrow easier to locate.
Nuqaq: Throwing board
GDN-248:75580
Materials: wood
Description:
The design of a nuqaq (also called an atlatl) or throwing board varied slightly with individual hunters carving a grip and placing finger pegs that would best fit their hands. The length of a throwing board was measured against the combined length of a hunter's forearm to the tip of his extended fingers.
Qantaq: Bentwood bowl
GDN-248:23884
Materials: wood, bentwood, antler
Description:
Finely developed skills in selecting and carving wood were needed to make bentwood qantaq or bowls. The base of this eating bowl is made from single piece of wood and the rim a long thin piece which was steamed and bent in a process known as ulunirluki. The rim on this bowl was joined with a rectangular piece of antler, pegged in place.
Qantaq: Bentwood bowl
GDN-248:NC001
Materials: wood, bentwood
Description:
Eating qantaq or bowls were accorded special respect and handled carefully. This example has a rim made from three separate but precisely joined pieces of thin wood. It was scorched in the fire that destroyed the Nunalleq house during the bow and arrow wars attack in the mid-1600s.
Small unfinished learner's basket
GDN-248:70258
Materials: grass
Taguyun: Gathering basket
GDN-248:70233
Materials: grass
Description:
A taguyun or basket used for gathering.
Issran: Grass bag
GDN-248:70189
Materials: grass
Description:
An issran or grass carrying bag.
Naqugun: Caribou Tooth Belt
GDN-248:NC003
Materials: tooth, leather
Description:
This is a naqugun or woman's belt decorated with caribou teeth.
Qillerqaaq: Grass bundle
GDN-248:70212
Materials: grass
Description:
A qillerqaaq or tied bundle of grass.
Picking and Preparing Grass
Annie Don explains the process of picking and preparing grass
Tupilluk: Grass mat
GDN-248:70198
Materials: grass
Description:
A tupilluk or finely woven grass mat.
Grass Mats
Annie Don recalls seeing her mother use grass mats to cover drying fish where she grew up on Nunivak Island
Tegullitaq: Pot or lamp holder
GDN-248:70247
Materials: grass
Description:
A grass tegullitaq or pot/lamp holder.
Ilavkuk: Grass root cordage or rope
GDN-248:70002
Materials: grass
Description:
A piece of ilavkuk or grass cordage/rope.
Eviun: Large weave grass mat
GDN-248:70195
Materials: grass
Description:
An eviun or loosely woven grass mat often used as insulation for the roof and walls of a sod house.
Root bundle
GDN-248:70194
Materials: grass
Acilquirissuun: Root pick
GDN-248:45317
Materials: bone
Description:
Carved from a sea mammal rib, this is the head of a acilquirissuun or root pick, originally hafted onto a wooden handle and used to harvest roots and to cut sod blocks for constructing house walls. Its surface is heavily polished from long use.
Acilquirissuun: Root pick
GDN-248:86535
Materials: bone
Description:
A head of an acilquirissuun or root pick made from a sea mammal rib. Root picks were used to harvest roots and to cut sod blocks for constructing house walls.
Acilquirissuun: Root pick with ownership mark
GDN-248:24946
Materials: bone
Description:
A head of an acilquirissuun or root pick made from a sea mammal rib. It has an ownership mark in a pattern known as the 'raven's foot', an ownership mark still used throughout the Y-K Delta into modern times.
Kepun: Adze Blade
GDN-248:11443
Materials: stone
Description:
Chipped into rough shape from hard stone, then ground and polished, the edge on this adze blade remains as sharp as a typical modern steel axe.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Kepun: Adze Blade
GDN-248:6141
Materials: stone
Description:
Adzes or keputet, were important tools for shaping driftwood into useful objects. The blade or kepun was made from hard stone, chipped, ground and polished with an edge that needed frequent sharpening.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Kepun: Adze handle
GDN-248:4266
Materials: wood
Description:
This is part of a kepun or adze. Adze handles were often made from the lateral roots of tree stumps or mimernaq, taking advantage of the strength of the naturally curved grain of the wood.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Kepun: Adze holder
GDN-248:2804
Materials: bone
Description:
This is part of a kepun or adze. Adze holders were made from sea mammal bone in two pieces that formed a socket to firmly grip the adze blade. The holder was in turn lashed to the top of the wooden adze handle. The holder absorbed shock and helped keep the adze handle from breaking during use.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Kepun: Adze holder with yua
GDN-248:2816
Materials: bone
Description:
This is part of a kepun or adze. Made from dense walrus bone, this adze holder has a partially broken socket. Look at the top surface closely and you will see a smiling face. Faces on objects like these represent the 'Yua' or soul that was said to inhabit all living things as well as some inanimate objects. Look even closer and you will see an even smaller face just below the large one. The large face may be the Yua of the adze and the smaller one the Yua of the adze holder itself.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Kepun: Adze holder
GDN-248:47600
Materials: bone
Description:
Made from dense sea mammal bone, probably walrus, this is one half of a composite adze holder. The other half, probably identical, was lashed tightly to hold an adze blade into the large groove on the flat side of this piece.
Driftwood
Earl Atchak remembers his elders telling him a story about driftwood
Mother and daughter Pauline Beebe and Anna Roberts share a joke as they talk about working with dyed beach grass. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Beachgrass
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts describes working with grass and the tips she has learned from her mom Pauline Beebe
Translation:These are beachgrass that I picked from the beach first, and my mom so eagerly braids and dries them. When I'm going to make something, I soak the beachgrass in water. My mom would tell me to add salt to the water because the beachgrass will be stronger that way.
A box filled with beach grass, collected and dyed by Elder Pauline Beebe. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning to Weave Grass
Elder Pauline Beebe remembers taking the first grass basket she made as a girl to the Native store to try and sell in exchange for bubblegum
Elder Pauline Beebe holds bundles of beach grass which she collected from the beach and dyed different colours. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning to Weave Grass
Elder Pauline Beebe remembers taking the first grass basket she made as a girl to the Native store to try and sell in exchange for bubblegum
Elder Pauline Beebe with dried beach grass ready to be worked. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Learning to Weave Grass
Elder Pauline Beebe remembers taking the first grass basket she made as a girl to the Native store to try and sell in exchange for bubblegum
Elder Pauline Beebe beginning to weave a new grass basket. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Learning to Weave Grass
Elder Pauline Beebe remembers taking the first grass basket she made as a girl to the Native store to try and sell in exchange for bubblegum
Elder Pauline Beebe holding a section of dried seal gut, she dyes the gut and weaves it as decoration into her grass baskets. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Cet'rautaq: Antler with caribou etching
GDN-248:23343
Materials: antler
Description:
A fragment of caribou antler has a cet'rautaq or etching depicting a caribou running up a hill. While the area surrounding the Nunalleq site is flat, the hilly uplands around the headwaters of the Arolik and Kanektok rivers are still used by caribou hunters today.
Caribou Decline
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the decline of caribou in the area due to climate changes and environmental factors
Kegginaquq: Caribou mask
GDN-248:78015
Materials: wood
Description:
Caribou kegginaquq or mask recovered from the base of the wall in the earlier house, 16th century or earlier. One of the oldest masks found at the site. Originally, it had antlers, or their imitations attached to the ears. Although, caribou did not contribute much to the diet at Nunalleq, its bone and antler were used extensively for making hunting tools, particularly harpoons.
Caribou Decline
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the decline of caribou in the area due to climate changes and environmental factors
Nagtuqat: Woman's belt fastener
GDN-248:75868
Materials: tooth
Description:
Expertly carved from a large walrus molar, this realistic rendering of a caribou head was probably a nagtuqat or woman's belt fastener, these belts were often decorated in a way that reflected her status within the community.
Caribou Decline
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the decline of caribou in the area due to climate changes and environmental factors
Iinruq: Caribou hoof amulet
GDN-248:24818
Materials: stone
Description:
A small pebble of red shale shaped into a stylized caribou hoof and probably worn as an iinruq or amulet. One of several found at Nunalleq. Red shale like this is found in upland areas used by modern caribou hunters.
Caribou Decline
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the decline of caribou in the area due to climate changes and environmental factors
Caacungauq: Carved antler
GDN-248:77199
Materials: antler
Description:
A caribou antler carving of a real or imagined animal. It is similar to dolls and other artwork found at Nunalleq in that the faces are different on either side. It is a caacungauq or carved item.
Caribou Decline
Jacqueline Cleveland discusses the decline of caribou in the area due to climate changes and environmental factors
Qeluyaraq: Bow fragment
GDN-248:1819
Materials: wood
Description:
A fragment of a very heavily built yualulek or sinew backed bow, this weapon could have had a draw strength of 50-75 pounds or more, easily strong enough to kill a caribou with a single arrow. Bows were often recurved, reinforced and powered by a thick cable of sinew, the shadows of which can still be seen on this piece. These are fragments of the qeluyaraq or notched end of the bow where the bowstring is fastened.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Yualulek: Bow brace
GDN-248:48414
Materials: wood
Description:
This wooden brace was lashed to the inside surface of a yualulek or sinew-backed bow to add power and strength.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Yualulek: Bow cable rest
GDN-248:24315
Materials: wood
Description:
A pair of these small but strong pieces of wood were inserted between the body of a recurved wooden bow and the sinew cable backing that powered it, the groove holding the cable. They are from yualulek or sinew backed bows.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Qualugyat: Killing lance point
GDN-248:90523
Materials: slate
Description:
A battered ground slate point made to fit a wooden qualugyat or detachable killing lance, a weapon used to dispatch sea mammals.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Qisran: Point sheath
GDN-248:29883
Materials: wood
Description:
Two adjoining halves of a wooden qisran or point sheaths made to protect the sharp slate points on arrows and harpoons. Hundreds of these sheaths were found at Nunalleq.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Qisran: Point sheath
GDN-248:12140
Materials: wood
Description:
The sharp slate points on weapons were covered with wooden qisran or sheaths that both protected the fragile point and kept it from piercing skin clothing and kayak covers. This is one half of a sheath made for a large lance point.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Umi: Endblade
GDN-248:88787
Materials: slate
Description:
This ground slate umi or endblade fit into the slotted tip of an arrow or toggling harpoon point. The example in the 3D scan has an X-shaped ownership mark.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Umilek: Arrow point
GDN-248:79718
Materials: antler
Description:
Made from caribou antler, this is an umilek or arrow point with a stone end blade. A triangular slate end blade fit into the slotted end. It was used for hunting distant sea mammals from a kayak.
Stringing Bows
Earl Atchak describes the strength needed to string a bow
Life Lessons
Jacqueline Cleveland considers how yugtun [the Yup'ik language] embodies life lessons and ways of knowing for hunting which cannot be easily expressed in English
Qapiarcuun: Butchering knife
GDN-248:75568
Materials: wood, slate
Description:
This is a qapiarcuun or skinning and butchering knife. It was found with its original slate blade still hafted into a wooden handle, which is a recycled gunwale from a kayak.
Qapiarcuun: Skinning knife
GDN-248:46841
Materials: antler, slate
Description:
A qapiarcuun or skinning knife with a caribou antler handle and original slate blade still intact.
Kumartessuun: Fire board
GDN-248:24246
Materials: wood
Description:
A driftwood kumartessuun or fire board with multiple sockets into which a fire drill was spun to create friction hot enough to ignite tinder. Finding the right wood that worked well with a fire drill took time. Fireboards are usually with multiple sockets, worn out from repeated use.
Ussukataq: Fire drill
GDN-248:22979
Materials: wood
Description:
Starting a fire involved rotated the ussukataq or fire drill into the socket of a kumartessuun, or fire board, pressing it down with a drill cap that was held in the mouth. A sealskin line was wrapped around the fire drill and it was pulled rapidly back and forth in the socket using two handles.
Kumakat: Birch fungus
GDN-248:9644
Materials: birch fungus
Description:
A piece of kumakat or birch fungus from Nunalleq was probably used as a fire starter. It may have also been burned and used for punk ash although tobacco wouldn't have been available in precontact times.
Ussukkataq: Fire drill
GDN-248:94157
Materials: wood
Description:
Recycling was a common practice at the Nunalleq site. This broken arrow or dart shaft has been repurposed as an ussukkataq or fire drill. Fire drills fit into a wooden socket on an allekak or fire board and were rapidly spun until the friction was hot enough to start a fire.
Jacqueline Cleveland and Pumbaa on a hunting trip to the mountains. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Going to the Mountains
Jacqueline Cleveland describes trips up the Arolik River to the mountains
Empty Handed
Jacqueline Cleveland shares her grandfather's perspective to never come back empty-handed from a trip to the mountains
Jacqueline Cleveland's uncle, Elder Joshua Cleveland searching for game in the mountains. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Going to the Mountains
Jacqueline Cleveland describes trips up the Arolik River to the mountains
Empty Handed
Jacqueline Cleveland shares her grandfather's perspective to never come back empty-handed from a trip to the mountains
A moose antler resting on the tundra. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Going to the Mountains
Jacqueline Cleveland describes trips up the Arolik River to the mountains
Empty Handed
Jacqueline Cleveland shares her grandfather's perspective to never come back empty-handed from a trip to the mountains
Pataq: Drill
GDN-248:79316
Materials: wood, stone
Description:
An pataq or drill. Its cylindrical stone bit is broken but still hafted into the wooden drill shaft.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Pataq: Hafted drill
GDN-248:30502
Materials: wood, jade, nephrite
Description:
Stone drill bits still hafted into their original wooden drill shafts are rare finds and may be unique to the Nunalleq site. This tiny pataq or drill was for fine work, such as the 'eye of awareness' or ellanguat 'model universe' or circle and dot designs on ivory earrings. The bit is made from nephrite, or 'Alaska jade' traded from its source on the Kobuk River, more than 1500 miles by boat from Nunalleq.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Pataq: Hafted drill
GDN-248:26753
Materials: wood, stone
Description:
A carefully ground and polished cylindrical pataq or stone drill was found with the bit still hafted into the wooden drill shaft. Hafted drill bits are extremely rare finds.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Iqukeggutet: Carving Tool
GDN-248:11438
Materials: antler, tooth
Description:
The antler handle of this iqukeggutet or carving tool has been worn and polished by the hand if its user by long use. The bit is still in place, made from a beaver incisor. Small pieces of wood held the bit in place and allowed it to be lengthened as needed as the bit wore down with repeated sharpening.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Iqukeggutet: Carving tool handle
GDN-248:24953
Materials: wood, tooth
Description:
A wooden handle for a iqukeggutet or carving tool. A socket on its end held a sharp incisor tooth from a small rodent like a porcupine or muskrat. A smile-shaped socket on its side was designed to hold an extra tooth. In this handle the extra tooth was found still in place.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Egturun: Hafted chisel
GDN-248:77069
Materials: antler, stone
Description:
A broken caribou antler handle still has its original polished chisel/burin bit. Egturun or chisels were ground from very hard stone and used to cut grooves into antler which could then be broken into rectangular preforms for items like harpoons and prongs. Burins were also used in ivory carving.
Carving Tools
Elder John Smith discusses the traditional tools used for carving in the past
Learning to Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Agaq: Earring
GDN-248:13851
Materials: ivory
Description:
A walrus ivory agaq or hook earring is spoon-shaped, like many of the women's earrings from Nunalleq. The ear hook is missing. The small hole at the base once held an earring pendant.
Making Earrings
Warren Jones considers the skill and artistry of carvers making earrings in the past
Agaq: Earring
GDN-248:23967
Materials: ivory, pyrite
Description:
An ivory agaq or earring with a carved image of a face with the ellam iinga, or the 'eye of awareness', possibly representing, Ellam yua, or the Person of the Universe. The small sockets probably held iron pyrites which would have sparkled in the sun. It is missing its ear hook and another ornament once hung from the loop on the base.
Making Earrings
Warren Jones considers the skill and artistry of carvers making earrings in the past
Agaq: Earring
GDN-248:23966
Materials: fossil ivory
Description:
A mammoth ivory agaq or earring with twin ellam iinga, or the 'eye of awareness' designs is missing its ear hook. An additional bead or small pendant hung from the hole in its base. Wooden pegs at the center of both 'eyes' could possibly be removed for a more direct connection to a sentient universe.Probably a pair with earring 23957.
Making Earrings
Warren Jones considers the skill and artistry of carvers making earrings in the past
Agaq: Earring
GDN-248:23965
Materials: ivory, spruce root
Description:
An agaq or walrus ivory woman's earring with a hook. It is decorated with an ellam iinga, or the 'eye of awareness' design. This earring has lost its original ear hook which was replaced by its owner with a bent piece of spruce root. More than four centuries later this repair is still in place.
Learning to Carve
Mike Smith reflects on learning to carve and the encouragement he was given from his grandfather, John Smith
Iinruq: Beluga carving
GDN-248:2893
Materials: tooth
Description:
This tiny but highly detailed carving of a beluga was done by a master carver, probably on a beluga tooth. Just how this was done with the tools available to the residents of Nunalleq remains a mystery. It could be a iinruq or amulet.
Piaskaq: Gaming piece
GDN-248:78055
Materials: tooth
Description:
Like many piaskaq or gaming pieces from Nunalleq, this piece is carved from a walrus molar but is unusual in its four-cornered design on one end.
Yuguaq: Carved bust
GDN-248:24648
Materials: ivory
Description:
A yuguaq or human/human-like figurine or bust made of ivory. It is less than an inch in size but is detailed enough to show a pair of large labrets below the lower lip. A large hole drilled in the back of the head admits light that slightly illuminates the eyes. It may have been made from an ivory game piece.
Iinruq: Worm man amulet
GDN-248:8078
Materials: ivory
Description:
A long spiral carved into walrus ivory has a lightly carved image of a face on one end. It represents a legendary creature called 'worm-man' that tunnelled through the ground in a spiral motion. It was probably an iinruq, or amulet and may have been worn as a pendant.
Iinruq: Seal poke amulet
GDN-248:2899
Materials: ivory
Description:
This ivory iinruq or amulet was represents a seal poke filled with sea oil or other food stuffs, indicated by the bulging flippers.
Crying Seal Story
Roy Mark recounts being told the story of the hunter who heard a crying seal bone to discourage him from ever wasting food
Global Warming
Warren Jones discusses the effects of global warming in the region and the impact on his community's food security
Unpredictable Changes
Warren Jones reflects on the unpredictable changes he has observed in recent years and their effects on food security in the region
Canguaq: Bentwood hat decoration
GDN-248:77255
Materials: ivory
Description:
This walrus ivory canguaq or figurative decoration is in the form of a diving seal with its head already submerged. Carvings like this were made to decorate elqiat or bentwood hunter's hats.
Crying Seal Story
Roy Mark recounts being told the story of the hunter who heard a crying seal bone to discourage him from ever wasting food
Global Warming
Warren Jones discusses the effects of global warming in the region and the impact on his community's food security
Unpredictable Changes
Warren Jones reflects on the unpredictable changes he has observed in recent years and their effects on food security in the region
Agayutaq: Poke stopper
GDN-248:4689
Materials: wood
Description:
This agayutaq or wooden stopper was tied into the top opening of a sea mammal stomach and used as a mouthpiece inflate it like a large balloon for drying. Beluga and seal stomachs were used to store food while walrus stomachs were preferred as drum skins. It is also possible that this piece may have been used as a spout for pokes that contained seal oil and sealed after use with a small plug.
Crying Seal Story
Roy Mark recounts being told the story of the hunter who heard a crying seal bone to discourage him from ever wasting food
Global Warming
Warren Jones discusses the effects of global warming in the region and the impact on his community's food security
Unpredictable Changes
Warren Jones reflects on the unpredictable changes he has observed in recent years and their effects on food security in the region
Egatet: Cooking pot
GDN-248:50016
Materials: clay
Description:
A complete thick-walled clay egatet or cooking pot was reconstructed out of fragments found in the Nunalleq house. Pots varied in size with larger ones having a capacity of two gallons or more. Smaller pots like this one may have been suspended from roof timbers. Clay egatet or cooking pots were made in a variety sizes at Nunalleq. Large pots were used for cooking and smaller ones for storing seal oil. Layers of bright grey clay came from eroded stream banks not far from the site. Clay was mixed with fine gravel or bits of grass to help strengthen it. After the clay had dried the vessel was hardened in an open fire.
Clay Pots
Chuna McIntyre recounts how his grandmother would make clay pots
Nunalleq Pottery
Researcher Ana Jorge from the University of Aberdeen recounts her first visit to Quinhagak to study the pottery from Nunalleq
Qantaq: Bentwood bowl
GDN-248:NC001
Materials: wood, bentwood
Description:
Eating qantaq or bowls were accorded special respect and handled carefully. This example has a rim made from three separate but precisely joined pieces of thin wood. It was scorched in the fire that destroyed the Nunalleq house during the bow and arrow wars attack in the mid-1600s.
Luuskaat: Spoon
GDN-248:78093
Materials: wood
Description:
An elaborately carved wooden luuskaat or spoon has the same bearded seal ownership mark on its handle seen on labrets, bentwood bowls and other objects from Nunalleq. Look closely at the triangular hole in the handle and you'll see a pair of eyes above it on each side, possibly signifying the yua, or spirit within.
Gifts of Spoons
Elders Jimmy Anaver and John Smith describe fancy spoons being made as gifts for individuals
Luuskaat: Spoon
GDN-248:75559
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden luuskaat or spoon. The triangular hole in the handle is typical of many of the spoons found at Nunalleq.
Gifts of Spoons
Elders Jimmy Anaver and John Smith describe fancy spoons being made as gifts for individuals
Allungak: Bentwood vessel base
GDN-248:24049
Materials: wood
Description:
One of the more common ownership marks found at Nunalleq are these three lines representing the nose of a seal, with nostrils closed tight as they are just before a dive underwater. The same carved noses can be seen on seal masks found at the site.
Allungak: Bentwood vessel base
GDN-248:27844
Materials: wood
Description:
Ownership marks were often placed on the allungak or base of bentwood bowls and occasionally on other objects. Ownership marks were repeatedly used by individual carvers and could be passed down through families for many generations. This mark is called a 'ravens foot' design and has been used throughout southwest Alaska for centuries.
Allungak: Bentwood vessel base
GDN-248:6546
Materials: wood
Description:
Ownership marks were sometimes derived from a story or incident in the carver's life. The ownership mark on the allungak or base of this small bentwood bowl may represent a claw or alternatively, the head of a bird.
Qantaq: Bowl with Ownership Mark
GDN-248:46656
Materials: wood
Description:
The allungak or base of a qantaq or eating bowl, missing its bentwood rim. It has a deeply carved ownership mark. Bowl bases were made from softer, larger grain wood that could be more easily carved. Rims were made of tougher, fine-grained wood that would survive the bending process.
Uivcetaaq: Spinning top
GDN-248:12161
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden uivcetaaq or spinning top, found complete with its wooden spindle. In historic times, these were spun inside a wooden bowl in a game called caukia (face me). When done spinning the person the top was facing was the winner.
Ellaraq: Spinner
GDN-248:76590
Materials: wood
Description:
A wood ellaraq or spinner. This type of top could be spun either by hand or by a quick pull of a string wrapped around the end.
Naanguaq: Toy
GDN-248:79388
Materials: wood
Description:
This wooden carving of a toothy animal may represent a fish such as a northern pike or even the legendary paalraayuk. They were naanguaq or toys, launched into the air by a knotted line attached to a bent stick.
Aavcaak: Gaming dart
GDN-248:29917
Materials: wood, antler
Description:
This would have been one of a set of aavcaak, or gaming darts. The pointed end was inserted into a feather. This dart still has its original point, in this case a sharpened piece of caribou antler. A wide variety of wooden household objects ranging from bowl bottoms to old kayak bows were used as dart targets, their surfaces pocked by dart holes. Bits of dart points are sometimes found in dart targets.
Aavcaak: Gaming dart
GDN-248:24068
Materials: wood
Description:
Aavcaak, or darts were used in the game of aavcaaryaraq. They are one of the most abundant artifacts in the Nunalleq collection and were made in a wide variety of sizes and styles. The pointed end of this dart was inserted into the hollow shaft of a feather to form the tail. This dart is also missing its bone or antler point.
Elder John Smith in his workshop in Quinhagak, John uses a Dremel to carve a piece of walrus ivory into a replica carving of a woman's belt fastener from Nunalleq. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Watching Men Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Elder John Smith in his workshop in Quinhagak holding a walrus molar belt fastener from the Nunalleq excavations (right) and the part-finished replica carving (left) that he is working on using modern tools and walrus tusk ivory. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Watching Men Carve
Elder John Smith remembers running errands to the qasgi [mens house/community house] as a child where he would watch the men carve
Elder John Smith leading an ivory carving workshop for local young people in 2018. [Photo: Crystal Carter and Carl Nicolai]
Learn by Doing
Elder and master carver John Smith encourages younger generations to learn by doing
A student carving using a Dremel during Elder John Smith's workshop in 2018. [Photo: Crystal Carter and Carl Nicolai]
Learn by Doing
Elder and master carver John Smith encourages younger generations to learn by doing
A student marks out his ivory piece with pencil during Elder John Smith's workshop in 2018. [Photo: Crystal Carter and Carl Nicolai]
Learn by Doing
Elder and master carver John Smith encourages younger generations to learn by doing
A student holds an ivory ring he carved during Elder John Smith's workshop in 2018. [Photo: Crystal Carter and Carl Nicolai]
Learn by Doing
Elder and master carver John Smith encourages younger generations to learn by doing
Anna Roberts working on a fur and leather dolls head for a keychain. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning Beading
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts remembers when she first started beading and why she still enjoys it
Translation:I started making babies bracelets, when my kids were small I would make them bracelets. My mom taught me, I would watch when she would bead, and at school we learned beading during culture week. I like crafting, I think it's fun and a way to make a little money. When I have nothing to do I work on my artwork, I'll start with earrings and when I get bored I'll move on to keychains.
An array of Anna Roberts' crafts on her kitchen table, a pair of woven grass earrings in the centre. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning Beading
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts remembers when she first started beading and why she still enjoys it
Translation:I started making babies bracelets, when my kids were small I would make them bracelets. My mom taught me, I would watch when she would bead, and at school we learned beading during culture week. I like crafting, I think it's fun and a way to make a little money. When I have nothing to do I work on my artwork, I'll start with earrings and when I get bored I'll move on to keychains.
Anna Roberts' tins of craft materials including porcupine quills, seal fur and beads. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning Beading
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts remembers when she first started beading and why she still enjoys it
Translation:I started making babies bracelets, when my kids were small I would make them bracelets. My mom taught me, I would watch when she would bead, and at school we learned beading during culture week. I like crafting, I think it's fun and a way to make a little money. When I have nothing to do I work on my artwork, I'll start with earrings and when I get bored I'll move on to keychains.
Anna Roberts models a pair of her tiny mukluk earrings made from fur, leather and beads. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning Beading
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts remembers when she first started beading and why she still enjoys it
Translation:I started making babies bracelets, when my kids were small I would make them bracelets. My mom taught me, I would watch when she would bead, and at school we learned beading during culture week. I like crafting, I think it's fun and a way to make a little money. When I have nothing to do I work on my artwork, I'll start with earrings and when I get bored I'll move on to keychains.
Anna Roberts holds up a partly finished doll's head for a keychain with a fur parka hood. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning Beading
Speaking in Yugtun Anna Roberts remembers when she first started beading and why she still enjoys it
Translation:I started making babies bracelets, when my kids were small I would make them bracelets. My mom taught me, I would watch when she would bead, and at school we learned beading during culture week. I like crafting, I think it's fun and a way to make a little money. When I have nothing to do I work on my artwork, I'll start with earrings and when I get bored I'll move on to keychains.
Kegginaquq: Seal mask
GDN-248:78007
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Full-sized seal kegginaquq or mask with traces of surface pigment. Some fire damage exists in the form of charring around the left eye, which may have been intentional damage before disposal. An inserted wooden peg centred below the mouth probably represents a labret. Small holes along the angular edge of the muzzle may have held whiskers. Suspension holes are intact on the reverse of the mask. This mask was found tucked down into a post hole in the earlier house at the site (ca. AD 1570-1630). Seals are also abundantly represented in masks and maskettes, which suggests their crucial economic and cultural value for Nunalleq residents.
Seal Mask
Earl Atchak examines the bearded seal mask
How Masks Were Used
Chuna McIntyre describes how masks were traditionally used and why
Mask Makers
Chuna McIntyre discusses mask makers in the past
Kegginaquq: Seal owl mask
GDN-248:78020
Materials: wood
Description:
Damaged and burned fragment of a kegginaquq or mask that may have represented a seal or an owl, or both. Recovered in association with the earlier house, ca. AD 1570–1630. Burning to top of mask.
Seal Mask
Earl Atchak examines the bearded seal mask
How Masks Were Used
Chuna McIntyre describes how masks were traditionally used and why
Mask Makers
Chuna McIntyre discusses mask makers in the past
Kegginaquq: Owl mask
GDN-248:78013
Materials: wood
Description:
Owl kegginaquq or mask. Originally found in two fragments with the chin/lower jaw buried about 10 cm above the main body of the mask, possibly indicating intentional damage before disposal. This mask was found under a boardwalk within the earlier house near the base of the site. The mask was repaired by joining these two pieces during the conservation process. The crescent-shaped eyes suggest it may represent an owl. Cut marks in the nose area suggest that a nose/beak attachment may have been intended or is missing. Twin holes under the corners of the mouth may have accommodated labrets. Linear holes around the nose may have held feathers. Long cut marks exist under the left eye and tear-like cuts are under the right eye. Suspension holes are intact on the reverse. Extensive owl imagery in the collection attests to the spiritually importance of this bird at Nunalleq.
Seal Mask
Earl Atchak examines the bearded seal mask
How Masks Were Used
Chuna McIntyre describes how masks were traditionally used and why
Mask Makers
Chuna McIntyre discusses mask makers in the past
Qirussiq: Beak mask attachment
GDN-248:75452
Materials: wood
Description:
Bird beak shaped qirussiq or decorative attachment for a mask (possibly just an upper half of the beak). There are several beak attachments like this in the Nunalleq collection.
Paintbrush
GDN-248:33311
Materials: wood
Description:
One of the most amazing finds at Nunalleq was a paintbrush found intact inside it 2-piece wooden case. The lashing that held the paintbrush case together is missing, but fit into the grooves on the side of the case. The tapered wooden paintbrush handle was found with the fur brush still attached. The brush has been removed for analysis.
Qirussiq: Paddle or feather attachment
GDN-248:79393
Materials: wood
Description:
A paddle or feather-shaped qirussiq or decorative mask attachment/decoration.
Village Dances
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook wonders how different villages danced in the past and discusses the varying use of motions and enirarautet [dance/director sticks] among the villages
Qirussiq: Large fish attachment
GDN-248:22468
Materials: wood
Description:
Large fish qirussiq or decorative attachment.
Village Dances
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook wonders how different villages danced in the past and discusses the varying use of motions and enirarautet [dance/director sticks] among the villages
Canguaq: Owl decoration
GDN-248:22463
Materials: wood, ivory
Description:
Owl effigy with ivory eye insets (one is missing). The owl has been a canguaq or figurative decoration and mounted to something, possibly a mask or a charm box. Holes for the wings on the sides, and another hole on the back.
Village Dances
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook wonders how different villages danced in the past and discusses the varying use of motions and enirarautet [dance/director sticks] among the villages
Qirussiq: Seal attachment
GDN-248:76839
Materials: wood
Description:
Seal qirussiq or decorative attachment with a peg still intact. Seals are the most common animal attachments, exceeding the numbers of all other animal attachments put together. Seals had a crucial economic and cultural value for Nunalleq residents, providing them with meat, blubber, oil, and hide.
Village Dances
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook wonders how different villages danced in the past and discusses the varying use of motions and enirarautet [dance/director sticks] among the villages
Qirussiq: Seal flipper attachment
GDN-248:27941
Materials: wood
Description:
Seal flipper qirussiq or decorative attachment. Attachments representing animals or their parts didn't always “belong” to the animal portrayed in the main body of the mask. For instance, a fish mask could have seal flippers on the sides, or a seal mask would be decorated with waterfowl wings. Attachments were used to represent other animals and characters in the story that the mask was associated with to detail and complete a layered visual narration rather than to reconstruct the image of a single animal piece by piece.
Village Dances
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook wonders how different villages danced in the past and discusses the varying use of motions and enirarautet [dance/director sticks] among the villages
Apqara'arcuun: Small drum rim or dance fan bangle
GDN-248:46650
Materials: bentwood
Description:
Miniature drum rims are common finds at Nunalleq. Similar small drums are known from elsewhere in the arctic, used by the audience play along with the main drum line during dances. This could also be a apqara'arcuun or shaman's drum, which were much smaller than dance drums. The groove down the middle held a line holding the small drum cover in place. This could also be a dance fan bangle.
Dancing Story
Elder Grace Hill fondly remembers the funny yuraq [traditional Yup’ik dances] she saw performed when she was younger
Learning Dances
Lonny Alaskuk Strunk reflects on learning yuraq [traditional Yup’ik dances] and how it brought him closer to his culture
Qantaq: Bentwood vessel
GDN-248:78035
Materials: wood, bentwood, spruce root
Description:
Flat bottomed qantaq or bowls such as this one were used for storage and food preparation. The rim on this bowl was held together by stitches of spruce root.
Allungak: Bentwood vessel base
GDN-248:30229
Materials: wood
Description:
The allungak or base of a bentwood bowl was made from tree stump wood which was easy to work.
Ipuun: Ladle
GDN-248:24403
Materials: wood
Description:
Wooden ipuun or ladle used to serve food. Historic Yup'ik ladles often had painted designs in their bowls but none of spoons and ladles found so far at Nunalleq have such painted designs.
Akirtaq: Small bentwood container
GDN-248:78037
Materials: wood, bentwood, spruce root
Description:
One of a number of complete bentwood vessels found at Nunalleq, the sides of this small akirtaq or container were stitched together with split spruce root. There is an ownership mark on the base. Holes on the side were made for a handle or possibly a thong to hold a lid in place.
Paplu: Drum handle
GDN-248:21506
Materials: wood
Description:
Artifacts relating to dancing to drums and song, or yuraq, are well represented at the Nunalleq site. The notch on this paplu or drum handle held the wooden rim of the drum. It has been carved with a human face, mouth open as if singing.
Composing and Sharing Songs
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook talks about some of his favourite songs and the process of composing and sharing
Dancing and Missionaries
Earl Atchak tells the story of how his home village began drum making and dancing again after the practice had previously been discouraged by missionaries
Paplu: Drum handle
GDN-248:76941
Materials: wood
Description:
A simply carved wooden paplu or drum handle. The relative size of the drum can be estimated by the size of the notch that held its rim. The drum used with this handle was relatively small, perhaps designed to be used by an individual shaman or a dance audience member playing along with the main drum line.
Composing and Sharing Songs
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook talks about some of his favourite songs and the process of composing and sharing
Dancing and Missionaries
Earl Atchak tells the story of how his home village began drum making and dancing again after the practice had previously been discouraged by missionaries
Cauyak: Drum rim
GDN-248:77172
Materials: bentwood
Description:
A fragment of a bentwood cauyak or drum, with twin holes where the two ends of the rim were once joined.
Composing and Sharing Songs
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook talks about some of his favourite songs and the process of composing and sharing
Dancing and Missionaries
Earl Atchak tells the story of how his home village began drum making and dancing again after the practice had previously been discouraged by missionaries
Qerrurcuun: Bladder float inflator
GDN-248:24559
Materials: wood, ivory
Description:
This ivory qerrurcuun, or bladder float inflator was found with its original wooden stopper still intact after four centuries or more in the ground.
Drum Fabrics
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook describes the types of drum fabrics used today in place of a traditional stomach
Qiluliurcuun: Gut scraper
GDN-248:23908
Materials: antler
Description:
A piece of finely worked caribou antler is spoon-shaped but in fact was used to scrape away the taiq or inner layer of sea mammal intestines. The tough outer layer was then dried to make water and windproof gut skin jackets and bags. It is a qiluliurcuun or gut scraper.
Drum Fabrics
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook describes the types of drum fabrics used today in place of a traditional stomach
Drum
Use the slider bar to 'explode' this 3D reconstruction of a drum. The drum is a deconstructed 3D scan of Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook's drum, the stomach covering of which was processed as part of his 2022 workshop with the Quinhagak Dance Group.
- Ecirkaq/Eciq [Drum skin or face]
- Yualut [Sinew]
- Qayiarun & Qillervik [Drum rim with groove for sinew]
- Paplu [Drum handle]
Drum Parts
Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook describes the different parts of the cauyak [drum]
Click on the image below to view a short clip about Maurice 'Baista' Nanalook demonstrating how to scrape the lining from a walrus stomach without tearing it
Uqtaq: Fishing lure
GDN-248:75850
Materials: antler
Description:
An uqtaq or hookless fishing lure made from caribou antler. Lures like this were made as a jig for ice fishing. A bit of feather may have been tied on the end as an additional attractant.
Uqtaq: Fishing lure
GDN-248:77246
Materials: ivory
Description:
This walrus ivory uqtaq or hookless fish lure was carved to resemble a baby northern pike. Used as a jig, it brought fish near the surface where they could be speared.
Uqtaq: Fishing Lure
GDN-248:78090
Materials: fossil ivory
Description:
An uqtaq or hookless fishing lure made from mammoth ivory. The small dents in its side were filled with bright red ocher or iron pyrites to attract fish. It was hookless, used to attract fish into spearing range.
Uqtaq: Fishing lure
GDN-248:78091
Materials: fossil ivory
Description:
Made from mammoth ivory, the small sockets in the side of this uqtaq or hookless fishing lure still have traces of bright red ocher to make it more attractive to fish.
Uqtaq: Fishing lure
GDN-248:23271
Materials: stone
Description:
Made from carved and polished hard stone in the shape of a fish, this uqtaq or hookless lure was probably made for ice fishing in a river with substantial current. It was probably hookless and used to lure fish to the surface for spearing.
Pamyuq: Kayak or sled handle
GDN-248:29599
Materials: wood
Description:
This may be a pamyuq or stern handle from a kayak frame. Alternatively, it may be a handle from a sled frame.
Gathering Wood
Elder Grace Hill remembers trips out to collect wood in the winter with a dog team
Dog Team
Elder John Smith tells a story about travelling by dog team in the winter
Tutneq: Snowshoe crosspiece
GDN-248:79429
Materials: wood
Description:
This may be a tutneq or a wooden crosspiece from a snowshoe.
Kegglarkaq: Shoulder blade
GDN-248:49779
Materials: bone
Description:
This kegglarkaq or shoulder blade with three drilled holes may have formed part or a tool, though the function is uncertain. Often shoulder blades were used as show shovels.
Ikamraruaq: Toy sled runner
GDN-248:48961
Materials: wood
Description:
The function of this wooden artifact remains uncertain but it is probably a toy, perhaps a runner from a ikamraruaq or toy sled.
Lngutumingiq: Child's boot grass insole
GDN-248:70246
Materials: grass
Description:
This is a piece of lngutumingiq or dried grass used as insoles in boots.
Leather Boot Stuffed with Grass
GDN-248:NC007
Materials: leather, grass
Description:
A fragment of a leather boot with grass lining for warmth.
Kauman: Leather child's mitten
GDN-248:5307
Materials: leather
Description:
A child's kauman or mitten.
Inuguaq: Little person figurine
GDN-248:78010
Materials: wood
Description:
Small wooden inuguaq or figurine with pointed head, possibly representing a ircenrraq (a little person or extraordinary person often represented with a pointed head).
Little People
Crystal Carter remembers encountering an cingssiik or 'little person' when she was a child
Inuguaq: Pointed doll head
GDN-248:13755
Materials: wood
Description:
Pointed wooden head. It is from a inuguaq or doll.
Little People
Crystal Carter remembers encountering an cingssiik or 'little person' when she was a child
Inuguaq: Figurine
GDN-248:24076
Materials: wood
Description:
Small figurine with pointed head. It could be a representation of a ircenrraq or little person/extraordinary person. It is a inuguaq or doll.
Little People
Crystal Carter remembers encountering an cingssiik or 'little person' when she was a child
Canguaq: Bentwood hat decoration
GDN-248:13784
Materials: ivory
Description:
A weathered ivory canguaq or decoration for a bentwood hunter's hat in the form of a paalraayak, a legendary creature that lived in the marshes along the mouth of the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers. It had a long toothy snout and ambushed fish, animals and even kayakers. The description sounded so much like a crocodile that early anthropologists thought that the story derived from 19th century missionaries. The discovery of paalraayak images at Nunalleq confirms that this story belongs to the Yup'ik people.
Canguaq: Bentwood hat decoration
GDN-248:14018
Materials: ivory
Description:
This is the best preserved of the ivory carvings of paalraayak found at Nunalleq, showing the long toothy snout and short ears of this creature famous in Yup'ik lengend. Two smiling fish are in its mouth. Like others in the collection, this example was also likely made as a canguaq or decoration for a bentwood hunter's hat.
Four year old Achillies Shriner ice fishing for smelts on the Kanektok River near Quinhagak. [Photo: Lynn Church]
Achillies sister, seven year old Mia Shriner with her successful catch on the Kanektok River near Quinhagak. [Photo: Lynn Church]
Four year old Achillies Shriner with his successful catch on the Kanektok River near Quinhagak. [Photo: Lynn Church]
Four year old Achillies Shriner with his grandpa Willard Church ice fishing on the Kanektok River near Quinhagak. [Photo: Lynn Church]
Talun: Shredder
GDN-248:75818
Materials: bone
Description:
Made from land mammal bone, probably caribou, this tool may be a talun or shredder, used to shred sinew from sea mammals or caribou into thread.
Ukicissuun: Awl
GDN-248:25329
Materials: bone
Description:
Made from caribou bone, this sturdy ukicissuun or awl was used for making holes in skins too thick for sewing needles to penetrate.
Ikgun: Sewing tool
GDN-248:75714
Materials: ivory
Description:
A walrus ivory fragment of a small ikgun or sewing tool, possibly once part of a woman's sewing kit.
Uluaq: Semi-circular knife
GDN-248:27747
Materials: wood, slate
Description:
A complete uluaq or semi-circular knife with its ground slate blade still hafted into the original wooden handle. Small uluaq like this one were part of every woman's sewing kit. They were also made for girls as they learned adult skills.
Luquckiaraq: Small knife
GDN-248:24411
Materials: wood, slate
Description:
A ground slate luquckiaraq or small knife still hafted into its original fish-shaped wooden handle. It may be a tool for scaling fish skins for processing into fish leather.
Canguaq: Needle case decoration
GDN-248:23980
Materials: ivory
Description:
This walrus ivory object's function is uncertain but it probably hung as a canguaq or decoration from the end of a woman's needle case. Identical examples exist on a needle case collected in the Y-K Delta in the 1870s and in Smithsonian collections.
Talun: Sewing tool
GDN-248:24750
Materials: ivory
Description:
Women's sewing tools were often finely made of ivory. This may have been a talun or shredder, a pointed tool used to shred sinew into thread.
Mingqusviutat: Needle case
GDN-248:77920
Materials: wood
Description:
Two adjoining halves of a wooden mingqusviutat or needle case. The two halves were held together by lashing that fit into the grooves on either end. The case is missing its stoppers onto which a piece of leather was attached which held the bone and ivory needles.
Grandmother's Labrets
Elder Jimmy Anaver remembers watching his grandmother use the labret holes in her lip to hold needles while she was sewing
Mingqusviutat: Needle case stopper
GDN-248:13835
Materials: antler
Description:
A decorative antler stopper for a mingqusviutat or needle case. The stopper was pulled out of the hollow case to access the needles which were inserted into the leather thong tied into the hole on the end.
Grandmother's Labrets
Elder Jimmy Anaver remembers watching his grandmother use the labret holes in her lip to hold needles while she was sewing
Mingqusviutat: Needle case stopper
GDN-248:25386
Materials: antler
Description:
A finely carved antler stopper for a mingqusviutat or needle case. The stopper was pulled out of the hollow case to access the needles which were inserted into the leather thong tied into the hole on the end.
Grandmother's Labrets
Elder Jimmy Anaver remembers watching his grandmother use the labret holes in her lip to hold needles while she was sewing
Inuguaq: Human figurine
GDN-248:24412
Materials: wood
Description:
Inuguaq or human figurine or doll with two bone labrets. May represent an honoured individual or used as a toy.
Learning Doll's Clothing
Catherine Beebe explains how she learnt to sew by making clothing for her Barbie dolls when she was younger
Inuguaq: Human figurine
GDN-248:79356
Materials: wood, paint
Description:
Human figurine (inuguaq or doll) with rudimentary legs. Face and neck are painted red, but not the body that most probably was covered in a fur parka.
Learning Doll's Clothing
Catherine Beebe explains how she learnt to sew by making clothing for her Barbie dolls when she was younger
Inuguaq: Doll head
GDN-248:79363
Materials: ivory
Description:
Human head carved of ivory with a hole at the bottom. It has a hair groove, frowning facial expression and dot ornament around the eyes. It may be part of a inuguaq or doll.
Learning Doll's Clothing
Catherine Beebe explains how she learnt to sew by making clothing for her Barbie dolls when she was younger
Inuguaq: Doll
GDN-248:30516
Materials: wood, fur
Description:
Tiny inuguaq or human figurine wrapped in fur, with one labret intact (the other one is missing). It might be used as a play doll, or even as a doll for a larger doll.
Learning Doll's Clothing
Catherine Beebe explains how she learnt to sew by making clothing for her Barbie dolls when she was younger
Naanguaq: Toy spoon
GDN-248:24158
Materials: wood
Description:
A complete miniature wooden spoon, too small for a functional infant spoon, is probably a girl's naanguaq or toy.
Naanguaq: Toy bowl
GDN-248:76933
Materials: wood
Description:
Miniature wooden bowls like this one were made for girls, often as naanguaq or toys for use as accessories for dolls.
Egkuaq: Semi-circular knife handle
GDN-248:76597
Materials: wood
Description:
A wooden egkuaq or semi-circular knife handle with an unusual design in that it includes two thumb indentations. Small semi-circular knives or uluaq were made for sewing as well as for young girls.
Qikuq: Clay lamp
GDN-248:50339
Materials: clay
Description:
The rooms of sod houses at Nunalleq were lit with sea mammal oil lamps. The qikuq or clay lamps were simple and undecorated shallow dishes made from unfired clay. The clay on most lamps was tempered with dog fur, which must have been abundant at Nunalleq.
Qikut: Stone lamp
GDN-248:16674
Materials: stone
Description:
All but two of the many qikut or oil lamps found at Nunalleq were made from unfired grey clay. This broken stone lamp could have been traded it or could have been brought in from another old site nearby. There are a few other stone artifacts from Nunalleq that also may have been found elsewhere and reused.
Qaralirissuun: Tattoo needle
GDN-248:14019
Materials: wood, ivory
Description:
An elaborately carved ivory qaralirissuun or tattoo needle has a series of stick figures with inset wooden heads on the side. Armless stick figures are often a symbol for woman in Yup'ik story telling. In historic times tattoos were generally reserved for women.
Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church remembers the day she got her traditional facial tattoos
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Elizabeth Lynn Church and facial tattoos
Qaralirissuun or Talun: Tattoo needle or sinew shredder
GDN-248:23985
Materials: ivory
Description:
This well-made walrus ivory tool may be a qaralirissuun or tattoo needle. Alternatively it may also be a talun or sinew shredder, part of a woman's sewing kit.
Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church remembers the day she got her traditional facial tattoos
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Elizabeth Lynn Church and facial tattoos
Qaralirissuun: Tattoo needle
GDN-248:40904
Materials: antler
Description:
Made from caribou antler this weathered but still spectacular qaralirissuun or tattoo needle is decorated on three sides by pairs of eyes with wooden inserts in their pupils. These likely refer to the ellam iinga, or the 'eye of awareness' a design also seen on women's earrings and belt fasteners.
Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church remembers the day she got her traditional facial tattoos
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Elizabeth Lynn Church and facial tattoos
Qaralirissuun: Tattoo needle
GDN-248:78073
Materials: wood, ivory
Description:
A walrus ivory qaralirissuun or tattoo needle has two rows of wooden insets, similar to the ones seen in other tattoo needles from Nunalleq. The remains of the point can be seen in the socket on the working end of the handle.
Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church remembers the day she got her traditional facial tattoos
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Elizabeth Lynn Church and facial tattoos
Qaralirissuun: Tattoo needle
GDN-248:79723
Materials: wood, ivory, metal
Description:
This very elaborately constructed qaralirissuun or tattoo needle has a body made of walrus ivory, decorated along the sides with small wooden inserts. The tip is actually a tiny wood socket piece that plugs into the needle's end. The socket contains a corroded metallic point, which may be native copper, a metal that was widely traded in pre-contact Alaska.
Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church remembers the day she got her traditional facial tattoos
Click on the image below to view a photo story about Elizabeth Lynn Church and facial tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church examines the tattoo needles in the Nunalleq collection while sharing her story. Elizabeth Lynn Church Lynn is the first woman to have traditional Yup'ik facial tattoos in Quinhagak since the practice was discouraged during colonization. Her tattoos were done by Holly Mititquq Nordlum, an Iñupiaq artist working to revitalise traditional Inuit tattooing. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Importance of Facial Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church explains why her traditional facial tattoos are important to her
Meanings of Tattoos
Elizabeth Lynn Church reflects on the evolving meanings of traditional tattoos today
Needle Case
Use the slider bar to animate this 3D reconstruction of a needle case to see how it works. The precious needles would have been pinned through a long piece of leather which ran through the centre of the case. They could be accessed by pulling the stopper to pull the leather through the case and protected when not in use by pulling the amulets on the opposite end. The long leather could also be tied onto a woman's belt.
- Mingqutpiggaq [Short ivory needles]
- Mingqusviutat [Needle case]
- Iinrut [Amulets]
Sonita Cleveland with her 'stash' of furs used to make her dolls, baby booties and keychains. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
Sonita Cleveland holds a squirrel fur parka with a sunburst hood which she inherited from a relative. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
Sonita Clevaland holds up a pair of her fancy muluks. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
A pair of antique dolls made by Sonita's grandmother Annie Cleveland with a doll parka made by Sonita herself. The dolls are surrounded by her 'winter stash' of crafts made over the previous few months. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
A doll with a muskoxen hoof for legs made by Sonita Cleveland. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
One of the antique dolls Sonita has been learning from, studying the clothing and unpicking stitches to work out how to make her own. [Photo: Alice Watterson]
Sonita Cleveland - Inspiration
Sonita Cleveland shares how she finds inspiration for her work from both contemporary and traditional sources
Learning to Sew
Sonita Cleveland remembers seeing her grandmother making crafts to sell at fairs and beginning to sew herself
Catherine Beebe poses with her brightly coloured contemporary kuspuks. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Catherine Beebe
Catherine Beebe introduces herself and her work making contemporary kuspuks
Catherine Beebe poses with her brightly coloured contemporary kuspuks. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Learning to Sew kuspuks
Catherine Beebe recalls how she first learned to sew kuspuks
Catherine Beebe poses wearing one of her brightly coloured contemporary kuspuks. [Photo: Jacqueline Cleveland]
Sharing Traditional Skills
Catherine Beebe discusses the importance of sharing traditional skills
Welcome to the Nunalleq Digital Museum & Catalogue. Use this resource to explore the archaeological collection and current interpretation from excavations of a pre-contact Yup'ik village. Co-curated by the local community in Quinhagak, Alaska these resources bring together a rich collection of voices and insights to explore the Yup'ik past and present.
The Nunalleq project is a collaboration between the Yup'ik village of Quinhagak and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, with the permission and support of village Elders. Yup'ik people are the largest Indigenous group in Alaska. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of Southwestern Alaska is their homeland where they have lived for thousands of years off and with the land, but the climate emergency is rapidly changing these relationships.
The archaeology project is a rescue excavation initiated by the local community in response to the effects of global warming in the region causing permafrost thaw and rapid erosion of coastal sites. The first excavation began in 2009, and the site of Nunalleq [the old village] has been investigated over eight field seasons so far. All the artefacts you see here belong to the Native Village of Quinhagak and are housed on Yup'ik land, in the Nunalleq Museum in Quinhagak.
Welcome to the Nunalleq Digital Museum & Catalogue
Use this resource to explore the archaeological collection and current interpretation from excavations of a pre-contact Yup'ik village. Co-curated by the local community in Quinhagak, Alaska these resources bring together a rich collection of voices and insights to explore the Yup'ik past and present.
In the Exhibition you will encounter material from the archaeological excavations of a 16th century Yup'ik village, located on the Bering Sea coast a few miles from the modern-day village of Quinhagak, Alaska. Through artists reconstructions, 3D scans of the collections and insights from a variety of voices this resource will help you to imagine what life in a Yup'ik village was like in the past, at a time before the Euro-American colonisation of Alaska. You can also search the Catalogue where 6000 of the over 100,000 objects found in the excavations which are available with pictures and interpretive information.
Credits
Funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council
University of Aberdeen
3DVisLab, University of Dundee
Qanirtuuq Inc
Quinhagak Heritage Inc
Charlotta Hillerdal | Project Lead
Alice Watterson | Design, Artwork, 3D Scanning, Interviews, Photography & Videography
John Anderson | Programming & Interaction Design
Lonny Alaskuk Strunk | Design & Linguistics
Jacqueline Nalikutaar Cleveland | Design, Interviews, Photography & Videography
Anna Mossolova | Collections Research, Curation & Workshop Coordination
Rick Knecht | Collections Research & Curation
Warren Jones | Advisory
Grace Hill | Advisory
Dora Strunk | Advisory
Dawn Biddison | Advisory
Alexis Jones | Qanirtuuq Inc Admin
Earl Atchak | Workshop Leader & Soundbite Insights
Maurice Baista Nanalook | Workshop Leader & Soundbite Insights
Alice Bailey | Soundbite Insights
Anna Mossolova | Soundbite Insights
Anna Roberts | Soundbite Insights
Annie Don | Soundbite Insights
Anna Jorge | Soundbite Insights
Catherine Beebe | Soundbite Insights
Charlie Roberts | Soundbite Insights
Chuna McIntyre | Soundbite Insight
Crystal Carter | Soundbite Insights
Eddie Teeluk | Soundbite Insights
Elizabeth Lynn Church | Soundbite Insights
Francis Lukezic | Soundbite Insights
Grace Hill | Soundbite Insights
Jacqueline Nalikutaar Cleveland | Soundbite Insights
Jimmy Anaver | Soundbite Insights
John Smith | Soundbite Insights
Joshua Cleveland | Soundbite Insights
Lise Bos | Soundbite Insights
Lonny Alaskuk Strunk | Soundbite Insights
Mike Smith | Soundbite Insights
Pauline Beebe | Soundbite Insights
Rick Knecht | Soundbite Insights
Roy Mark | Soundbite Insights
Rufus Rowe | Soundbite Insights
Sonita Cleveland | Soundbite Insights
Warren Jones | Soundbite Insights
Willard Church | Soundbite Insights
Carl Nicolai | Additional Photography
Crystal Carter | Additional Photography
Stephan Jones | Additional Photography
Lynn Church | Additional Video
With special thanks to Dora & Larry Strunk, Sarah Brown for opening their homes to crew offseason, the Quinhagak Yuraq Group and the Nunalleq archaeology crew. Thanks also to Lynn Church at Nalaquq, the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Centre and Anchorage Museum. If we have missed any names we apologise but know that your support was greatly appreciated.
Quyana.