9411706 LEE The focus of this study is the weaving culture of Alaska Yup'ik and Inupiat Eskimo. Practiced continuously for at least a century, coiled basketry is nonetheless almost completely undocumented. Coiled basketry is a women's art and as such has been eclipsed by male art forms such as ivory carving and mask-making. This collaborative Alaska Native study will be a first step in documenting this art form. The hypothesis that rapid social change negatively impacts indigenous art forms will be examined as will the role of art in reinforcing cultural and gender identity in Native Alaska. *** ??
