AGYAQ, MIT’AQ (KAR) – STAR AGYAT UNUGMI ANTAARTUT. – THE STARS COME OUT AT NIGHT. In the Alutiiq universe, stars live in the first of five consecutive sky worlds, closest to earth. This world is also home to the moon and northern lights, and the place where people go after dying for the fifth and […]
YAASIIK – BOX CAQINKA YAASIIMEN LLIITAANKA. – I PUT MY STUFF IN BOXES. In classical Alutiiq society, craftsmen fashioned wooden boxes in many shapes and sizes to hold food, water, and objects. Hunters carried small rectangular boxes packed with supplies in their kayaks. Women cooked traditional dishes by dropping hot stones into oval wooden containers […]
UYAMILLQUAQ – NECKLACE UYAMILLQUAN QUP’ARTLLRIA. – YOUR NECKLACE GOT BROKEN. In classical Alutiiq society, jewelry was an important means of social and personal expression. Decorative lip plugs, nose pins, ear ornaments, bracelets, arm bands, belts, pendants, and necklaces were worn by both men and women, providing outward signs of the wearer’s place in society. Jewelry […]
ATUUN, ATUUTEQ – SONG KAS’AQ AMLESQANEK ATUUTET NALLUNITUQ. – THE PRIEST KNOWS MANY SONGS. Singing is a favorite pastime in Alutiiq communities. People of all ages enjoy sharing a tune or learning an Elder’s favorite melody. In addition to expressing joy and companionship, songs are a form of storytelling. They record community history, express values, […]