Killer Whale Hunting Hat

Edgar Otis, Aleut, Port Graham, 2001
Spruce wood, acrylic paint, varnish, antique glass beads, bowhead whale sinew

At the time of European contact with Aleut and Alutiiq populations in the mid 18th century, Native hunters usually wore some form of visor or hat while in their baidarkas (kayaks). These were usually very skillfully made of a driftwood board that had been carefully thinned and then steamed so that it could be bent into the long shape of a hunting hat. The surface of the hat was then carefully painted in either curvilinear patterns or showed simple scenes of Native life. Here killer whales are being depicted, not because they were hunted but to acknowledge and perhaps absorb some of the killer whale's power. Sea lion whiskers were attached to the crown and sometimes the piece was decorated with elaborate carvings of walrus ivory showing birds, sea mammals, and men.

This hat has been decorated with scenes of killer whales and hunters in their sea kayaks. It has bead decorated sea lion whiskers projecting from the crown. Contemporary acrylic paint and varnish has been used to decorate the surface of the hat, but bright colors were traditionally used. Walrus teeth were carved into seal forms that were then attached to the frame. Bowhead whale sinew was used in sewing the seam where the wood was folded together.

Hats such as this were made through the 19th century, but declined as traditional beliefs were replaced by Euro-American culture. In recent years Native craftsmen have again become fascinated with the fine woodworking done by their ancestors, and new pieces have been made that use old styles.

2001.021.001 Gift of the Anchorage Museum Association