Celebrations

In Inupiaq, Yupik, and Alutiiq cultures, the winter was a time for elaborate celebrations and ceremonies. The festivals usually began in late fall after all the necessary food for the winter had been gathered and stored. Singing, dancing and feasting took place as part of these rituals. The festivals and ceremonies were held in large communal houses.  

In early winter, communities celebrated messenger feasts. The name comes from the practice of sending messengers to invite nearby villages. At the celebration, people feasted, danced, and sang. The songs and dances told stories of hunting and memorable deeds. Performers often wore elaborate costumes and carved wooden masks. Games and contests between men would also be held. Much like Tlingit potlatches, the hosts would distribute gifts to those invited. These celebrations played an important role in reinforcing trading relationships and alliances with other villages.

After the spring whaling season. the lnupiaq held a large celebration called Nalukatuk. At it, they feasted, danced, and played games. One activity was the blanket toss. People holding a large walrus or seal skin tossed an individual into the air. The person tried to land on his or her feet when coming down. The individual continued to be thrown into the air until losing his or her balance. The celebration, which might last a week, officially brought the whaling season to a close. The Alutiiq had similar feasts to commemorate the dead or the killing of a whale.

Next Page

To navigate through the textbook, click on the next page button or go to the navigation menu on the top left.