Yup'iit Cultural Museum

The museum is housed in a multipurpose building which also is home to the Bethel Public Library and a good sized auditorium used for celebrations and the occasional showing of a movie. The building itself is quite beautiful. The architectural features are derived from the Yup'ik double circle design representing the cosmos and the earth. The Yup'ik language and culture have been fairly well preserved as outsiders (oh yes, the Christian missionaries at it again) did not arrive here until the late 1800's. Over 75% of the native population here speak the Yup'ik language. This is a very high percentage for native people as languages such as Cherokee in the Eastern Band of the Cherokee are spoken by only about 300 or so people.

The Yup'ik people mostly live a subsistence life, meaning that they live off the land rather than on a cash economy. This is true still today. Fishing, berry gathering and hunting are not done for entertainment, but as a necessity to survive.

Here are some pics from the museum.

This amazing tile mosaic is located in the main hallway of the building. Easy to see the circular themes. It has a sister panel further down the hallway.

Traditional fur parka's and kuspuks.

Fish catching basket.....for whitefish I think?

Traditional women's headdress, worn in dance ceremonies

Hand made dolls. The artisans show their wares at a monthly craft fair. The detail on these dolls is stunning and the pictures do not do them justice.

This is a raincoat made from seal gut, which is apparently quite waterproof. Who needs Gortex?

Drums, instruments and hand fans used in traditional dance

Mukluks, mittens and hats made from seal, beaver and other furs. These are beautiful examples of items that are still worn today. I was luck enough to buy a seal and beaver hat from one of the few traditional skin sewers here.