Laampaq–Lamp Laam’paaq kuarsgu.–Light the lamp. From Kodiak to Greenland, Native people used stone oil lamps to heat and light their homes. On Kodiak, artisans formed lamps from beach cobbles of sandstone, granite, or a greenish-gray igneous stone called tonalite. Craftsmen formed lamps by sanding and pecking—banging one cobble against another. Although time-consuming, this technique produced […]
Tuugawik–Oven PiRuq tuugawigmek ansgu.–Take the perok out of the oven. For many thousands of years, people around the world have used holes in the ground for cooking. From the Hawaiian pig roast to the New England clambake, earth ovens provide an excellent place to cook many types of foods, and they are easy to build. […]
Pilinguar–Adopt Wiiwaq pilinguaq–My younger sibling is adopted. The Alutiiq word pilinguar translates literally as, “to make one’s own.” Alutiiq speakers use this word for adoption. It is a very specific term for adding a person to one’s family, or for fostering a child. It is not typically used for circumstances like adopting a pet or […]
Engluq (N), ungluq (S)–House / Cabin Nutaamek engluliyut.–They are building a new house. When Alutiiq people travel outside Alaska or meet visitors from distant places, they are often asked about igloos. “Do you live in an igloo? Do you know anyone who does?” This tired stereotype traces its origins to twentieth-century portrayals of northern people […]