The Artistry and History of Aleutian Islands Bentwood Hats

Alaska Native artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory explains the technique and artistry of making Unangax (Aleut) bentwood hats and visors. She also shares the importance of these hats in traditional Aleutian Islands culture. Patty was born and raised in Unalaska, on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands chain of Alaska, which is the westernmost part of the United States. She is the daughter of Nicholai S. Lekanoff, originally from the now abandoned village of Makushin (Unalaska Island), and Polly Kudrin Lekanoff, originally from the now abandoned village of Kashega (Unalaska Island).
For more information, go to http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/alaska.htm

Category:

Education

Tags:

• smithsonian
• aleutian islands
• bentwood hats

[michaelpocatello]

Awesome video! Patty and Delores, Mr. Andrew Gronholdt would be uber-proud of you! Qagasaakung! Thank you, and thanks to the Arctic Studies Center for creating such a wonderful video and for making it available to such a wide audience. Mike