Rich in Culture

While here in Anchorage to re-certify for ACLS, I was thrilled to wander around the Alaska Native Medical Center and observe the artwork displayed throughout the hospital.

I love the Canada goose and my family has graced me with pieces over the years, from paintings to metal to wood....these geese were beautiful and most unusual as the wings were carved into heads and depicted the hunter in the wings; all carved from one piece of wood.

All along the five floors in the stairwells and lobbies, there are display cases and shadow boxes with beadwork, carvings of ivory, bone, wood, silver and rock. The artists are all Alaskan native and some of the artwork is even for sale in the gift shop. The artwork is on consignment, so the profits go directly back to the artist, no middle man and no mark up.

Occasionally you can find an artisan in the hospital lobby, selling their crafts. I was fortunate to find a gentleman selling jewelry (imagine that) and bought earrings and a pendant made from mastodon bone. If I were to find such, it would be illegal to possess, but since it is made from a native, it is legal for them to sell it and me posses it.

The scrimshaw is carved on bone or ivory, taken from walrus tusks, whale bone or seal bones. The ultimate possession is the oosik, the bony structure from the male walrus genitalia..harvested only by the locals.

The woodwork is hand carved and the colors used for the paint are from coal (black) and seal blood (red). The ceremonial masks are still used in dances and ceremonies within the many tribes.

The grass baskets are so intricate and this is one of the Aleut specialties even in my area. They gather the long grass and weave these beautiful baskets and actually use them to gather berries and other harvests.

Alaska is so rich in history and in culture. If it had not been rude, I would have taken pictures of some of the locals. Long hair, fur kuspuks, mukluk boots, beaded earrings and the familiar chisled face. Toughened by the climate and the living environment, some of the elders look weathered and worn, but never without a sparkle in their eyes. As I was people watching in the lobby, I spied a local from the village where I live and it was so nice to be able to go up and talk with her.

What a small and rich world we are traveling in!! Alaska is so beautiful........................