Seal-gut parkas are essential pieces of clothing used throughout the Arctic. The material is naturally waterproof and windproof, which is key for hunting in harsh climates. Artists make every piece as beautiful as it can be to honor the animals that gave their lives to clothe and feed a community and to show pride in their work and their care for their families.

I was surprised to see this parka was over 100 years old. I thought it looked quite contemporary!

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From the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery website:

“Women have long been the creative force behind Native American art, yet their individual contributions have been largely unrecognized, instead treated as anonymous representations of entire cultures. ‘Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists’ explores the artistic achievements of Native women and establishes their rightful place in the art world.”

Best to view in "Original" because other versions resized by Pbase are decidedly unsharp.

Our one day of spring, posted earlier: