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    • Identifying Marks: Tattoos and Expression
    • Traditional Tattoo Selfies
    Cynthia Ivan

    Cynthia Ivan (b. 1986)

    Akiak, Alaska


    Jamie Harcharek gave me my first line, and Holly Nordlum did the other two on either side of the middle line. The first tattoo I received on my chin is a representation of accomplishment --of engaging a successful college education and helping compose my first Native song, Yaraq. The anniversary of my first traditional tattoo coincides with a very significant tragedy within my family and community. My other two lines represent becoming a leader in my community. I am a city council member and the founder of the Brown Bear Dancers in Akiak. There has not been a dance group since contact in the 1800s when the missionaries first arrived. My chest tattoo is not a traditional Yupiaq tattoo. It is the tradition of our sisters of Greenland of the North. I was told that it is a representation of one who can take on great burdens. I just recently lost my mother and am the eldest, whose job it is to take care of my family.

    Cynthia Ivan (b. 1986)

    Anchorage Museum

    625 C Street
    Anchorage, AK 99501
    907-929-9200 | General
    907-929-9228 | Membership

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    The Discovery Center is temporarily closed



    THIS IS DENA’INA EŁNENA.
    ANCHORAGE IS DENA’INA HOMELAND.

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