Yupik Woman's Wedding Parka
Woman's wedding parka. Deerskin and raccoon fur. Contains old style design which is said to depict specific historical events. Red yarn tassles under the arms - represents an ancestor (father) show in armpit. The white beads symbolize blubber; the red beads symbolize mother's blood; the black beads symbolize the spirit world. Gingham cloth lining.
Update 12/18/2020: According to transcript of interview with Chuna McIntyre by Foley Benson in March 1993: Design elements indicate that this parka is central Yupik, specifically Nelson Island. Main part of parka is raccoon, design is calf skin, tassles are wolverine, ruff base is sealskin and ruff is wolf, with a bit of mink. Value and age added based on interview.
- Object: Yupik Woman's Wedding Parka
- Artist: Unknown
- Circa: 1940 or later
- Dimensions: 19" at shoulders; 52" long (top of hood to bottom of skirt); 10 1/2" sleeve
- Culture Area: Arctic
- Cultural Group: Yupik
- Cultural Context: -
- Donor: Laurel Holmstrom
- Catalog #: 92.061