Marjorie Kunaq Tahbone (Inupiaq and Kiowa, Nome) teaches an intergenerational (mixed age/skill levels) how to carve a naniq using soapstone and hand tools. The traditional womens’ seal oil lamp , naniq was used to heat the home, cook food, light for sewing, and creating soot for traditional tattooing. This 8-hour workshop runs November 4- November 18. Sponsored by The CIRI Foundation, A Journey to What Matters: Increased Alaska Native Art & Culture (JWM) grant program.

Workshop is full.

November 4, Wednesday, 6-8pm
November 7, Saturday, 10am-12pm
November 11, Wednesday, 6-8pm
November 14, Saturday, 10am-12pm

Uaŋa Kunaq Sitnasuaġmiuruŋa, Iñupiaġuruŋa-lu Kiowa-ġuruŋa. Asii aŋayuqaaġlu Qaiyaunaġlu Kayutukġlu. Akaaġa Piziqtuaq. Asii Kiŋigmiut ilutkaa. Ilisaqtuŋa University of Alaska Fairbanks-mi. Aglaktituŋa Inuit Kakiñiit. I grew up in Nome Alaska where my family spent our summers at fish camp. It was there I learned how to harvest and gather traditional foods from the land and sea. These skills are what guide me on my journey to becoming an artist and teacher.

Materials included: small soapstone, files and rasps, coping saw, and sandpaper to complete the project. The Sessions will include a history lesson including pictures of different styles of lamps, roughing out the stone, carving out the bowl, finishing, and finally how to light their lamp.

“My goal has been to re-establish our cultural identity within our communities in Alaska. There is a resurgence of using the naniq and there are few people who know how to carve them in Alaska.
By being a traditional Inuit tattooist, Iñupiaq language learner, seamstress, carver and teacher I can help achieve that goal while educating people about our beautiful traditions. I am currently in the Indigenous Studies program writing my Master’s thesis at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.”

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