"Growing Goodness": An Alaska Native Collection at Oberlin CollegeMain MenuMission Statement and Project ContributorsObject GalleryClick on the object title for more informationLife HistoryMapYup'ik Materials and SubsistenceIntroduction page for the Raw Materials and Subsistence chapterVirtual 3D Exhibit
Object 9
12019-12-11T17:58:06+00:00Alaina Helm707f7d845b33dec30c77d3f91278c0fd43eb2f4c111Here’s what Dr. Rosemary Ahtuangaruak has to say!plain2019-12-11T17:58:06+00:00Alaina Helm707f7d845b33dec30c77d3f91278c0fd43eb2f4c
nassiŋuaq “pretend seal” 3.7cm x 1.5cm x 1.3cm Ivory Ayaak (Sledge Island), Alaska (Iñupiaq), c. 1880 Collector: E. W. Nelson Museum ID: NEL.C1.r.4601
This object was probably designed as a belt fastener. One end of the belt would be attached through a hole in the belly of the seal and the other end would be looped or wrapped around the seal fastener to keep the belt in place. The seal is wide, representing the health of a family through its well-fed stomach. Seal charms would have been used on a variety of clothing items and hunting paraphernalia because they were believed to help gain the cooperation of the animal spirits to aid in their capture and harvest.