Hunter-Gatherers of the Alaskan Northwest

Many of the hunter-gatherer groups in northwest Alaska subside almost entirely on hunting of marine mammals, with a few exceptions. (Sheehan, 123) The animals consumed in this subsistence strategy consist of Bowhead Whales, Baleen whales, Walrus, Beluga, Bearded Seals, Ringed Seals, Caribou, Polar Bears, and a large variety of fish. (Sheehan, 133) This exhibit is a presentation of some of the techniques and hunting technologies utilized by Eskimos in the Alaskan Northwest, but specifically of hunting technologies and techniques used for the harvest of marine mammals, with particular emphasis on hunting of seals and Bowhead whales. Part of this exhibit is dedicated to the catalog and description of many Eskimo hunting implements. This exhibit is also a presentation and description of an Eskimo artifact collection owned by Western Michigan University.

The music you hear is traditional Eskimo throat singing. Typically, this is a woman's art, but men have been known to participate as well. It is considered to be more of a breathing or vocal game in Inuit culture, and less as music. To suspend throat singing please press pause.