Child's nigraligaaq (fancy parka)

NameChild's nigraligaaq (fancy parka)

CultureIñupiaq

Datelate 19th–early 20th century

Place madeAlaska, United States, North America

MediumArctic ground squirrel, wolf, wolverine, hide, wool felt

DimensionsH 38.5" x W 31" x D 6" Chest: 28"

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, Gift of Louis Criss, FA.1974.42.3

Object numberFA.1974.42.3

Description“Fancy parkas,” made of whole Arctic ground
squirrel skins and heavily decorated with wolverine
dangles and trim, are found throughout Alaska.
Historically, a U-shaped hem signified a woman’s
parka while men’s parkas had straight hems. Today,
most women’s parkas also have straight hems.
Each year in late April, when squirrels tunnel out
from their winter dens, women set snares at den
entrances, cleaned and skinned each day’s catch,
and strung them together in a “bundle.” Squirrel
meat not eaten by the women and their dogs was
dried and carried home (from exhibition label text).

Almost identical to FA.74.42.1. It has tassels on shoulders and back, with U-shaped hem. No trim at cuffs. Ruff is likely wolf, lower hem is likely wolverine. There are tufts of red and brown along bottom border and in the diagonal pieced decorative stripes on front.