IMAGHNIIN

(Bering Strait Raincoat) Likely mid-20th C., Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.

Summer-processed walrus intestine. Overall sinew-sewn construction with stab-stitched seams reinforced by cotton string on interior plus dark double-couched stitch on exterior at shoulders and upper torso. Narrow sealskin trims at hood and sleeve openings. Thick rawhide thong drawstring at bottom hem, leather thong drawstrings at wrists. Cotton cordage drawstring at hood.

Top right: Drawstring at bottom hem of raincoat lashed around cockpit coaming as a spray skirt. UAF-1966-0054-00031. Bottom right: ...man wearing gut parka and holding a string of fish. Nome, Alaska between 1898 and 1900. Photo by Wilhelm Hester. University of Washington Libraries, PH coll 318.1077.

Common Bering Strait Materials

• Often made of bearded seal or walrus intestine; whale is also used.
• Summer-processed, translucent intestine.
• Unique cutting of the intestinal tube on the inner curve results in billowing “puffy” look.
• Seams may be reinforced with string.

Regional Commonalities

Hoods on these parkas often have a small peak at the tip. Inupiaq and Cup’ig parkas sometimes have an adornment such as a tuft of fur on the tip of the hood.

Typical Bering Strait Construction

• Intestinal strips are oriented horizontally, may be quite wide.
• Vertical side seams present (not sewn as a spiral around the torso).
• Seams are sewn on the interior of the garment.
• Neck and upper torso may feature a dark double-couched stitch on exterior.
• Usually stitched with sinew using a double-couched stitch.
• Hood fits as close, gathered oval around the face.
• Hood has a “peak” at the back.
• Sleeves are very roomy, feature drawstrings.
• Seams are plain and rarely have embellishments of any kind.
• Drawstring at the bottom hem for securing as a kayak.