Native American, Northwest Coast, Alaska, Inuit / Athabaskan, ca. 1930s CE. A wood, walrus hide, and cloth model of an Athabaskan family in a boat known as an umiak, complete with their possessions. The family of 4 is very detailed, their wooden bodies dressed in cotton clothing that is skillfully sewn into cowl neck shirts and legs with knee high boots decorated with seal fur trim. One retains much of their horsehair coiffure while the others have gone bald in their old age. The prow is laden with their supplies, including a wooden chest, bowls, and rolled hide blankets - the necessary items for a camp. The boat is constructed from a cedar frame then covered with stretched walrus hide. Wooden paddles are lashed next to the figures. This is an intricate model of a group that is presumably on their way to their seasonal camp for fishing and hunting. Size: 21.25" L x 4.5" W x 3.5" H (54 cm x 11.4 cm x 8.9 cm)

The umiak (also umialak, umiaq, umiac, oomiac, oomiak, ongiuk, or anyak) is a type of open-topped, flat-bottomed (no keel) boat used by both Yupik and Inuit and was originally found in all coastal areas from Siberia to Greenland. First arising in Thule times, it has traditionally been used in summer to move people and possessions to seasonal hunting grounds and for hunting whales and walrus. The umiaks were considered the family boat, rowed by women and elders, carrying the provisions, children, dogs, and possessions on journeys, while men traveled in kayaks. Although the umiak was usually propelled by oars or paddles, sails made from seal intestines, or even dog teams pulling the boats from the riverbanks were all used! Models were built to demonstrate their construction to eager European traders who wanted to purchase these lightweight boats, and later as souvenirs or toys.

Chuna McIntyre is a Yupik artist, historian, and dancer. He founded the program and curriculum Nunamfca "of our land" to educate and inspire native and non-native people about Yupik and Inuit traditional culture through storytelling, song, and dance. McIntyre has also consulted with the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the conservation of a Yupik mask made circa 1900 and is a consultant for the Smithsonian Institute for Yupik culture.

For a similar example please see the Dartmouth College Hood Museum of Art website, collection number: 159.9.14387.

Provenance: private Alamo collection, Alamo, California, USA, before 2000

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#167562

Professionally restored by Chuna McIntyre with a patch of hide added near the center of boat running from side to side. Paperboard added to interior to support the figure's feet. Paddles are not original and 2 poles on the prow are not original. Losses to hair on 3 figures. Surface wear as expected with age. Discoloration to cotton clothing. Figures and paddles are secured to the seats by twine.