Alaska

World Wide Customs: Alaska

Alaska:

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Before in-home heating systems and electric blankets became widespread, there were plenty of people living in Arctic environments that needed to stay warm. Anyone who lives in Alaska during the winters knows that even with modern amenities, it’s no easy feat, so how did Alaska Native groups stay toasty hundreds of years ago? Depending on the region they lived, they actually created just the right gear to face the elements.

A strategy that holds true to this day: to stay warm, dress in layers. Many traditional clothes were made from caribou skin, with the fur still on for warmth. On the inner layers, the fur would face in and on the outer layers it would face out, providing the wearer ultimate warmth. The kuspuk (1), a hooded dress/hoodie hybrid made from lightweight cloth, was another layer to work with. It was traditionally made to be knee length with a large pocket in the front. For footwear, mukluks (2), a boot made from reindeer or sealskin, could be adapted to many different climates.

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Athabascans also used caribou hide (3), as well   as moose hide, for clothing, and removed the fur in the summer for lighter versions of their winter staples. A cozy version of snow pants was created from caribou-hide pants(4) with attached moccasins. The skins from snowshoe hares were also used for thinner layers to wear under the heavier parkas. Athabascans adorned their clothes with beautiful beadwork and decorations(5) made from porcupine quills, eathers and fringe.

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In this wet rainforest climate, hats(6) were a must and were made from spruce roots and cedar bark.

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Here you find a video about the orginal population, Inuit.