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

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THOSE GATHERING FROM THE LAND | Gathering grass | Tools for gathering | Things made from grass

Martin Family Collection, Anchorage Museum B07.5-A6

Woman twining an issran, grass pack basket, Kwigillingok, 1931. Theresa Moses said: "I love grass and use it for everything. I always have some around. The grass lets me survive, and they are precious things."

Alliqsiik Grass Boot Liners

Boot Liners

Grass boot liners which both insulated feet and wicked away moisture to keep them dry and warm, made by Lucy Jacobs of Bethel before 1970.

Theresa Moses recalled: "I used grass in my boots all the time and I never saw store bought socks. We wore only twined grass socks."

Gift of Mrs. Hazel M. Anderson, Anchorage Museum 1971.137.009

Kangciraq Grass Mat

Grass mat

Martina John recalled: "Grass mats had their own designs, and the wall mats had different designs. They made small x's on the edges, but the designs got lost before I learned how to twine."

W. J. Fisher, 1884, Bristol Bay, Department of Anthropology, Smithsonian Institution 90463

Arilluuk Fish Skin Mittens

Mittens

Fish skin mittens with grass liners used for kayak travel during spring in bad weather.

A. H. Twitchell, 1919, Kuskokwim, Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution 9/3523, 9/3519

Qaspeq Grass Shirt

Grass shirt used to keep a person warm and dry.

Elena Charles remarked: "This is a grass qaspeq [hooded garment]. The neck opening has a thin strip of wolverine. A woman who was an expert twiner made it just like a parka."

A. H. Twitchell, 1919, Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution 9/3522

Science panel: Shedding Water

All plant leaves have a waxy covering on their surface known as cuticle, which slows the loss of moisture from the leaf to the atmosphere. Though this covering serves primarily to keep moisture in, it also prevents excess water (such as dewdrops) from entering the leaf. The cuticle's properties and the tight Yup'ik twining techniques account for the water repellent nature of grass mats and clothing.

Kaminiaruaq Model Stove

Grass Stove

Model stove made of grass in 1908 as a trade item.

Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution 1/9261

	Nigaugek Snow Goggles
Snow goggles Henry Alikayak said: "Someone made these with coarse seashore grass. When I tried them on, they were comfortable and useable."
	Courtesy, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution 5/519