Kuspuk

Gabrielle got a Kuspuk last year from her Eskimo Grandma. Her kuspuk is special, and fun made in Alaska by her Great Aunt. Gabby knows that it is special to be Eskimo, and we are trying to teach her more about it. Last week she had big leaves in her hair and pretended she was an Indian Princess. She is, and Elliot is an Indian Prince! Here is the Princess on the beach, in her butterfly kuspuk.

A kuspuk is the traditional Yupik overshirt type garment worn by both men and women. Summer kuspuks are made from light-weight cotton, and are often worn over a tee shirt. Winter kuspuks are made of heavier fabric, and may even be lined with flannel or fur.Parkas are the supreme winter kuspuks, made of heavy fur on the outside. Kuspuks are the appropriate garment to wear for any occasion, from cutting fish to picking berries to Eskimo dancing to getting married. - Tundra Medicine Dreams