Fish-skin Sewing Passed Along to New Generation

Smithsonian program has demonstrations at Anchorage Museum

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By Janessa Webb
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Story Created: Dec 6, 2012 at 8:25 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 6, 2012 at 8:27 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Needlework has become the fabric of these women’s friendship, but this isn't any ordinary sewing that students at the Alaska Native Charter School are getting to experience.

The Smithsonian program is hosting the fish-sewing workshop, and has brought three artists to show off their talents.

Their fish of choice: salmon

This is a long-standing tradition among Alaska Natives, to use skin to create bags and clothing.

The Smithsonian program says it's important to keep the tradition of fish sewing alive by showing the next generation the craft.

“Contemporary artists really understand these materials and use them, and it helps us learn about the older pieces, and they have an extraordinary sharp eye for understanding how this art has been done all along,” said Aron Crowell, Director of the Arctic Smithsonian Study Program.

The three women will sew salmon skin at the Anchorage Museum until Friday.

Visitors are invited to come by and watch between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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