Discussion on Weaving, Baskets, Spruce Root Hats and Model Qayaqs

Creators and Contributors Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Dawn Randazzo (Contributor)
John F.C. Johnson (Contributor)
Brandon Moonin (Contributor)
Raymond Eric Clock (Contributor)
Deborah McMullen (Contributor)

Summary Deborah McMullen describes her experience with grass weaving and how her work mixing grass weaving with seal gut would have differed from the artistry the ancestors would have created. Brandon Moonin and Dawn Randazzo speak about removing the spine of grass, which requires strong eyesight and a steady thumbnail. Dawn Randazzo highlights how there are no knots in grass weaving—just weaving in new lengths of grass to create a continuous weave. John Johnson reflects on the boxes and how they were made of one solid piece of wood, and describes how Nuchek was a major trading post between different Native groups in Alaska. Randazzo inquires about the intention behind making model-sized qayaqs, and Johnson suggests that it was likely for educating younger people. Johnson shares that in his wife's community there are caves and rock shelters where miniature qayaqs and figures were placed with specific significance, meanings like good luck. Johnson says they were not just toys. Raymond Eric Clock says that ancestors had advanced waterproof technology and qayaq technology, including the bifurcated bow design in the front of the qayaq to absorb energy when going through waves. Clock shares that this technology is being brought back in modern boats and used today. John Johnson describes the prevalence of spruce root hats throughout cultures in Alaska and the exchange of ideas—if something worked, other groups picked it up. Johnson highlights the layers of design on a hat that could indicate which potlatches someone has attended. Johnson emphasizes the cultural exchange between Chugach regional communities and groups in the Southeast. The group reflects on what the baskets could have been used for, ruling out berries and considering potential use for mushroom gathering. Dawn Randazzo describes how grass is brittle when dry but durable when wet.