This Glossary is divided into four sections: I — Natural Harvest Foods of the Kauweramiut; II — People Named in Text; III — Places Named As Used Today, and IV — Names, Words, and other Terms in the Text.
At the present time Dr. Michael Krause of the University of Alaska and his colleagues are engaged in completing an alphabet that can be used universally for Inupiat Eskimo with its various dialects from Alaska to Greenland. This text has followed the pattern of previous books dealing with Eskimo words, i.e., the spellings are as close phonetically to the way they are heard as the authors could derive using simple literal sounds. The only attempt to communicate a throat sound common to the Eskimo Language is the use of uh in many words to signify a similar sound to that of uck as heard in chuck if the last three letters were voiced slowly and back in the throat. Occasionally Eskimo words have been broken into syllables to aid the reader to sound them out. Usually Eskimo is written in single word sentences, since it is an agglutinated lan- guage.
Every attempt has been made to keep this text in conformity with the Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 567) for any name in current use. In Part I of this Glossary special emphasis is given to animals, plants, and fish that are part of today's natural food harvest. They are given only in their common or colloquial terms. Detailed description and scientific names of Alaskan food plants, animals, and fish may be obtained upon request from the University of Alaska Extension Service, Fairbanks, Ak. 99701. Part II of the Glossary provides the names of epic and hero figures of Eskimo Oral Tradition as they are voiced in the Kauweramiut Dialect of Inupiat. The names of living people or people recently deceased are given as they appear in old records or are used today. For the reader's convenience, Part III is arranged in alphabetical order to serve as a dictionary of unusual terms appearing in the text, as is Part IV.
Following is a list of the major foods and resources harvested by the Kauweramiut. Except when prohibited by law or regulation, all are still being harvested today. In the past virtually all parts of an animal were utilized — fur or hides, hooves, claws, quills, beaks, tusks, bones, intestines, membranes, major veins and arteries, tendons and teeth, as well as the meat. Although the young of any animal was rarely taken, except a certain number of caribou fawns to meet special needs for clothing, eggs of wild birds and fowl were harvested in an established practice that met food needs as well as assured a plentiful harvest of both birds and eggs the following year. Currently, the natural (subsistence) harvest emphasizes meat, hides, fur, tusks, teeth, horn, hooves, and oil rendered from fat and blubber. Today, as in the past, only certain meat, fish, and fowl is eaten when none of the preferred meat foods are available. Food preferences naturally change from one geographic area to another, and these listed below (using the common names) are for the people of the Seward Peninsula mainland. Incidentally, although these natural harvest items are shown as “Eskimo” foods, they are used by most permanent residents of the region, regardless of their ethnic origin.
Crane, mainly the Brown Crane.
Ducks, all northern species.
Geese, mainly Canadian & Emperor.
Loon.
Owl, several varieties, but Snowy Owl preferred.
Ptarmigan, a specie of grouse plentiful throughout Alaska, often a reliable standby to ward off starvation in times of food shortage at any season.
Swan, no longer available for harvest.
Eagle, several species*
Hawks & Falcons, several species*
Seagull, several species*
Snipe, a large specie up to one pound live weight, as well as smaller sizes.*
Tern, several species.*
*Not preferred for food.
Young leaves of a wide variety of arctic plants, bushes, and mosses, particularly willow and fireweed, but including fernweed, alpine bistort, plume flower, Parry's wallflower, coltsfoot, wild celery (cow parsnip), as used as green leafy vegetables and ledum (Labrador tea) used to make a hot tea-like beverage.
Roots, shoots, and tubers of a number of plants also were used, often from “Nature's Storehouse,” the underground caches of mice and squirrels, including many of the plants listed above as well as the “Eskimo potatoe,” liquorice-root. Barks and woody stems were often used for dyes and medicinal purposes, particularly the alder for dye.
Lichens and mushrooms were not commonly used except for medicinal purposes, although lichens and mosses were harvested to be used like cotton padding, wadding, and lining or packing material for articles of clothing or storage of certain items.
Wild grass, often growing to three or four foot heights, was harvested for many uses including disposable floor coverings, bedding dogs in the winter, and insulation for boots (inner soles) or tents and houses between layers of hide or wood inner and outer walls.
Kelp and other edible seaweed was harvested, but not extensively and was more of a trade item with the island dwellers.
Willow, water-willow (a willow found in wet and marshy areas), birch, alder, and cotton wood were all used in accordance with their various properties of strength and durability. Spruce trees when available were used in construction. Extensive use was made of driftwood (seasoned by nature), particularly large spruce and cottonwoods found along the beaches in great windrows.
Berries grow with remarkable abundance in the lands of the Kauweramiut. The most common and stable varieties are blueberries, swamp or bog cranberry, low-bush cranberry, high-bush cranberry, crowberry or blackberry (a smooth cranberry-like black berry on a low mossy plant used more like a vegetable than a fruit), and salmonberry (a raspberry-like berry of pale orange until frost when it turns red-orange).
Black cod.
Flounder, several varieties.
Grayling.
Herring.
Ling cod.
Pike, weighing up to more than 30 pounds.
Salmon, all Pacific varieties including Arctic King.
Sea trout.
Trout, freshwater, several varieties.
Shee fish, a large white-fleshed plump fish weighing up to 30 pounds.
Whitefish, 3 freshwater varieties and 1 salt water specie.
Clams, a wide variety.
Crabs, tanner and spider.
Mussels.
Beaver, no longer common to the area.
Bear, black and tundra grizzly.
Caribou, no longer common to Imuruk area reindeer herds have displaced them.
Dall Sheep.
Ground squirrel.
Porcupine.
Moose, only common to the area in recent years.
Reindeer, a semi-domesticated caribou.
Fox, red-white-and cross (red, black & white mixed markings)*
Land otter*
Lynx*
Mink*
Weasel*
Wolf*
Wolverine*
Baluga, a type of sea mammal resembling a porpoise, locally called “white whale.”
Porpoise
Seal, bearded (oogruk), ribbon, and harbor (hair).
Walrus.
Whale, bowhead (black), occasionally a grey or blue (and rarely a killer*)
*Not preferred for food. All but Killer Whale valued for their pelts, wolf as a necessary part of a parka ruff because of its capacity to shed frost, and wolverine because of its traditional value to denote wealth. As a non-food item, only the hunter who was rich in necessities could afford the time to hunt wolverine as trim for clothing or body decoration.
Following are people named in the text now living or who have lived in the Kauweramiut region in the past one hundred years that appear in the preceeding pages.
Abloogaluk, Paul, Mary's Igloo-New Igloo
Axlawak, Thomas, Mary's Igloo-New Igloo
Brevig, T. L. (Pastor), Mary's Igloo-New Igloo, and the mission that bears his name as a village today.
Davidson, T. R., prospector who came into the Imuruk Basin in early 1900s, giving his name to Davidson's Slough and Davidson's Landing.
Etorina, William Oquilluk's grandfather
Eyuk, Jimmy, formerly of Mary's Igloo, now of Teller
Ieuksictoyuhk, Eskimo name for a Captain of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear about 1890s. (tr. cheek shakes all the time)
Jackson (first name unknown), first man to receive a Christian burial at Pt. Hope and probably first in Alaskan Arctic.
Jeager, Pete, mail carrier in 1918 on the Nome-Kugarok circuit.
Joe, Larry, and sister Agatha, permanent residents of Mary's Igloo.
Kakaruk, Peter, permanent resident of Mary's Igloo
Kakaruk, David, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Kakaruk, John, deceased, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Kakaruk, John (Papa) Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Kakaruk, Norbert, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Kakaruk, Sara, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Kakaruk, Francis, deceased, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Keelik, Frankie, deceased, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Nakak, a Grandmother of the Imuruk
Punginguhk, powerful shaman at turn of the Century
Okleasik, Frank, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Okleasik, Jim, Mary's Igloo or New Igloo people now calling Teller “home”
Omaluk, uncle of the author
Oquilluk, John, deceased, father of author and former mayor of Mary's Igloo
Otoyuk, deceased, of Imuruk Basin
Reese, H. D., teacher at Mary's Igloo during flu epidemic of 1918
Seowuk, author's grandmother
Thompson (first name unknown), watchman at Pt. Hope whaling station about 1898
Utkook, the author's uncle
Two Brothers, a story in Chapter 11, uncles of the author
Unless otherwise noted, places named are on the Seward Peninsula or the adjacent Bering Sea, and all places may be found on any detailed maps in use today.
Agiapuk (The) River
American River
Barrow (village), on Arctic Ocean
Bendeleben Mountain
Coco Creek
Cape Darby
Cape Douglas
Cape Espenberg
Cape Nome
Cape Prince of Wales
Cape Wooly (Kahluluric)
Candle (village)
Davidson's Landing
Davidson's Slough (Kiviruk)
Diomede Island (Little Diomede)
Ft. Davis (on the outskirts of Nome)
Fish River
Golovin (village) (Sunlik)
Grand Central Pass (in Kigluait Mtns.)
Grantley Harbor
Glacier Lake (in Kigluait Mtns.)
Graphite Bay (Salt Lake)
Imachuck, abandoned mining camp
Imuruk (The), the brack-water lake and surrounding basin
Imuruk Basin, see above
Imuruk Lake, headwaters of the Kuzitrin River, located deep in the interior of the Seward Peninsula
King Island, Bering Sea, near Nome
Kougarok (The) refers to a local mining area, scene of gold rush activity in early 1900s
Kougarok River, principal river of The Kougarok area
Kobuk (village) near Golovin
Kobuk River
Koyuk (village)
Koyuk River
Koyukok River
Kotzebue (village)
Kotzebue Slough
Kigluait Mountains (Sawtooth Mountains)
Kruzampaga River (Pilgrim River)
Kuzitrin (The) refers to the entire drainage area of the Kuzitrin river
Kuzitrin River
Mary's Igloo (Aukvaunlook) (village)
Mary's Mountain (Aukvaunlook), the primary reference elevation of Imuruk Basin
Mary's Mountain Village (abandoned) on the other side of Mary's Mountain from Mary's Igloo
Naukan, Chukotsk Peninsula, U.S.SR. (Siberia)
Nook (Pt. Clarence) summer fishing village near Teller
Nook (Cape Nome) summer fishing village near Nome
Norton Sound
Noxapaga (The), drainage area of the Noxapaga River in interior of Seward Peninsula
Old Kotzebue Village, archeological site on the Baldwin Peninsula near Kotzebue
Pt. Barrow, archeological site at the Point several miles from Barrow Village on Arctic Ocean
Pt. Hope (village) on Chukchi Sea north of Kotzebue
Pt. Spencer, on Port Clarence near Teller
Port Clarence, only deep water port (natural) of the area
Omiaktalik (The) small sub-drainage area near Davidson's Landing
Omiaktalik Lake (sometimes called Mary's Lake) (tr. place to leave skin boats)
Outside, a slang term used to denote the other 49 states, particularly the continental states to the south of Alaska
Rocky Point, unprotected deep water area near Nome, and only other deep water near entire coastline of Seward Peninsula except Port Clarence, extends to near Topkok Head
Salt Lake, part of The Imuruk — a large brack-water lake with tidal action from Bering Sea approximately 36 miles long, 12 to 14 miles wide, and except for a few holes and a channel up to 18 feet, averages 6 to 8 feet deep
Selawik (village), east of Kotzebue and just northeast of Seward Peninsula area
Shelton, abandoned railroad camp on Seward Peninsula near Mary's Igloo
Shishmaref (village) (Keekiktuk) (also Kiktuk)
Siberia, refers to the coast nearest to Alaska on the Chukchi Sea in U.S.S.R.
Sinrok River (near Nome) see Sinuk
Sinruk River (near Nome) see Sinuk
Sinuk, preferred spelling for above
St. Lawrence Island, in Bering Sea about 40 miles from Nome, its residents are primarily of Siberian Eskimo ancestry
Sawtooth Mountains (Kigluait Mountain Range along the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula)
Sledge Island, archeological site near Nome (Iyahuhk)
St. Michaels (village), on coastal area south of Golovin — the fartherest north post established by the Russians during their occupation of Alaska
Taylor (mining camp) once a major mining community, now being worked by Tweet family
Teller (village)
Teller Mission, early name for Teller
Tisue River (also Tissue River)
Topkok Head, deep water area near Nome
Tuksuk (The) see below
Tuksuk Channel, a deep gorge linking Salt Lake and Grantley Harbor with a swift current subject to tidal action from the Bering Sea, water ranges up to 80 feet deep, an unusual depth for northern waterways.
Uelen, Siberia, U.S.S.R, (see Naukan)
Wainwright (village) west of Barrow Village on Arctic Ocean
Wales (village)
White Mountain (village) near Golovin, former site of orphanage and mission school.
Agiapuk (village) site of village wiped out by 1918 flu epidemic located about 5 miles upstream from the mouth of the Agiapuk River.
Ahghutuk, Eskimo “ice-cream”
Ahgosalik, man who killed a sow-bear with stone knife whose stone monument still stands in a pass of the Kigluaite Mountains
Ahkoosieruhk, man's name, cannibal of the Third Disaster, (in some dialects, tr. to making a special dish made of whipped fat or oil with berries, meat or fish added, commonly referred to as “Eskimo ice-cream”)
Ahmaooght, wolves
Ahree…, expression of sorrow or distress, also sympathy if directed to another
Ahtunook, ancient village site near Cape Darby
Ahweiroolaroot!, special ceremonial call given meaning “there are visitors here” commonly used as part of the ceremony attached to the Eagle-Wolf Dance
Aii yunga… Aii yunga… (repeated many times as a chant) traditional rhythm setting chant to begin an Eskimo dance
Akpatit, fast runners of the visitors to the Eagle-Wolf ceremony — members of the greeting ritual
Aleapuk, man's name, tr. is synonymous with Eleapuk
Aleut, an Alaskan native whose ancestors settled the Aleutian Islands
Anayuhk, epic hero of Third Disaster and with his wife, Paniruhk, they are known as the Second Generation Mother and Father (tr. eddies in water).
Arsichsorawaruhk, name of legendary Alaskan Eskimo hero who became famous and respected in Siberia
Arsicksorwaagoot, Eskimo name given a large rock in sea near Cape Douglas that resembles a skin boat with people on board
Aukvaunlook, Mary's Mountain or Mary's Mountain village
Aungayoukusuk, name of the “teacher” in the epic of the First Disaster (tr. wise old man).
Aungutguhk, nearest English translation: Shaman or Medicine-man, usually malevolent
Baleen, the substance found in the mouth of the bow-head whale in 2 to 8 foot lengths ranging in width from 4 to 8 inches, similar to human fingernails in texture. Because of its elastic and durable characteristics, it is used as a raw resource ranging in use from woven baskets to small tobaggons, and sliced into thin ribbons, can be used as coiled springs or in the place of wire of various strengths.
Barrow, in early part of text probably refers to the ancient village at Pt. Barrow. Later, it refers to the village of Barrow at its present location.
Barter Island, site of the modern village of Kaktovik, as well as an ancient community
Beach woods, driftwood of any specie
Beeueoak, epic hero of the Second Disaster
Bendeleben, a small massif of high elevation seen from Imuruk Basin that has been given anthropomorphic dimension both in legend as appears in the text, and as one of the areas where “sign” of coming weather may be read by those who know how to predict by the signs of cloud around the peak
Berries, see Part I
BIA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, the present Federal agency responsible for education and welfare of the majority of Alaskan Eskimos and Indians. Prior to creation of the Bureau responsibility for education and welfare was delegated to the U.S. Office of Education regarding Alaskan Native People
Birch, the northern variety that seldom grows more than 6 to 8 feet tall and resembles a bush more than a tree
Birch Hill, located on the Kuzitrin River a few miles east of Mary's Igloo, given its name for the thick stand of birch covering most of this low hill.
Blubber, the general term given to the thick layer of fat found between the skin and the meat of sea mammals.
Brevig Mission, a small village located just north of Teller centered around a Lutheran Mission school and church, commonly called Brevig today.
Bunker Hill, an abandoned railroad station and community that serviced much of the mining area of the Imuruk Basin as well as Mary's Igloo and the orphanage that was established at Pilgrim Hot Springs after the flu epidemic of 1918
Cache, a term to mean something put away, something hidden away, or an outbuilding that can be on ground level or on stilts to prevent animals from robbing a food supply
Calendar, Eskimo: (Chapter II)
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
Nu wait to i vick
Ouch nin nik
Nai sear sea vick
Ome i toa vick
Na lo se i vick
Seg ku i toa vick
Nich e i a toa vick
Poaw toa vick
Sain a to vick
Ona i to vick
Caw nick
Sain o to a vick
Camp, fish in the spring and fall, winter or permanent village, and summer for fishing and hunting. Camps may be on an individual or family basis, but they were and are often a small seasonal community that comes together annually for specific economic and societal reasons
Caribou, a wild animal of the dear family that roams the Arctic and sub-Arctic in vast herds migrating annually over much of northern Alaska. An average animal can provide from 100 to 200 pounds of meat in addition to various useable by-products.
Caribou heart sack, the dried and processed pericardium (membrane) covering the heart muscle that makes a semi-transparent pouch for storing small articles like sinew thread, needles, and awls used in skin-sewing. Considered about the smallest and most delicate of the various pouches and pokes used prehistorically by the Eskimos
Cauninoryauhk, used as a generic term for native ore, and usually translated to mean copper nuggets; also appears as the name of a legendary strongman of Uelen village in Siberia
Cenaeahauhk, (Sen ae a hauhk), name of legendary hero, Toolik's uncle, tr. walking on edge of water
“Chief,” a term inappropriately used to denote the principal leader of a community in early Euro-American contact. The proper term is omealik in Kauweramiut dialect, and a similar term in other Inupiat dialects that translates to a general conceptual meaning of holding wisdom, courage, luck, and the characteristics of leadership. It is without religious significance or inheritance factors, and is attached only to men who have proven leadership capacity.
COD, used in its modern meaning, cash on delivery
Council (City), a mining town located on the Seward Peninsula in the early 1900s. Presently largely abandoned, it is a summer recreation area for Nome residents and summer camp for a number of Eskimo families
Dancer, a person who holds special skill and knowledge of the ancient and traditional dance forms of the Eskimo
Dancer, a person who can perform Eskimo Dancing, but does not hold the artistry and knowledge of a Dancer
Dance Mitts, long — a mitt covering the hand and arm to the elbow, usually with bits of ivory or bird beaks attached to give a rattling sound when shaken during dancing
Dance Mitts, short — usually extend to just past the wrist. They may be made of skin in the traditional way, or of canvas, and usually are decorated, but do not have rattles. Modern Dance Mitts may be only canvas gloves for men and ordinary gloves or mittens for women, but it is traditional and customary among Inupiat Eskimos to dance only with the hands covered
Diesel generator, the only means of obtaining electric power in Northern Alaska until recent years, except for a very few coal-steam generators
Disasters, a series of 3 natural and 2 man-made catastrophes through time that have threatened to extinguish the human beings known as Eskimos
Drum, skin — a wooden or bone hoop covered with sea mammal membrane or tissue- thin caribou skin with a short handle. Various regional groups produced sizes ranging from approximately 14 inches across to some nearly 30 inches. They are played by using a light wooden wand, striking the drum head from underneath or using the rim for a different tone. The drum heads require constant care by applying water to the surface both while in use and in storage.
Drum, skin, shaman's — similar in construction to above, but a minerature version. It was often believed to have spiritual powers of its own.
Drum, water — see Kalukauk
Drummer, like the Dancer, a man of special skill and knowledge who acts much as a ballet master or conductor in regard to ceremonial or traditional dancing. drummer, one who has skill in drumming, but lacks the special skill and knowledge of the Drummer.
Doxivuk, a black man (Negro, such as the Portugese sailors of early whaling days).
Eagle-Wolf Dance, Classed by anthropologists as a version of the Eskimo Messenger Feast, this is a ceremony of religious and mystic significance. These same authorities generally agree that the Feast originated on the Seward Peninsula, although it takes various forms among the different Eskimo groups in accordance with the local beliefs of spiritual powers affecting the harvest and general well-being of that community (i.e., the Bladder Feast of the Yupic speaking Eskimos of the Yukon River Delta as it honors sea mammals). The Messenger Feast served social, civil, economic and political needs by bringing together scattered communities in a friendly interchange where obligations were made or discharged and family or economic ties reconfirmed.
Eeee…, tr. yes
Ekeuhnik, epic hero of the First Disaster (tr. glowing coal)
Eleapuk (Aleapuk), a boy's or man's name, but also used to mean a poor boy by Eskimo standards — usually a young boy with an aged grandmother or grandfather whereby the pair are dependent upon the charity of the village and its omaelik.
Eskimos, a genetic and cultural group of human beings distinguished by their special technology enabling them to live in the sub-Arctic and Arctic of the Northern Hemisphere. Eskimos currently live on the coastal lands of the most northeast portion of Russia (Siberia), all along the coastline of mainland Alaska from Kodak Island north, and across northern Canada including Labrador, and Greenland. The Northern Eskimos, who live in North America north of Unalakleet are called Inupiats since from Alaska to Greenland they all speak the same basic language, Inupic. The rest of the Eskimos of the world, including St. Lawrence Island speak forms of Yupic Eskimo and are often referred to in Alaska as Yupics. Alaskan Eskimos today live throughout the United States and many hold responsible positions or professions in government and private industry.
Etorina, the author's grandfather who is also a Grandfather among the Eskimos.
Farewell Dance, a ceremony of parting after a gathering of communities for religious, political, or trading purposes.
Fawn, refers to the new-born caribou or reindeer before it reaches calf stage.
Fawn skins, prized for their softness, markings, and special properties of warmth for parkas and clothing for infants and children.
Fish traps, refers to small traps of woven roots or shoots (and occasionally baleen) used in the rivers to trap ling cod and bottom fish. They were seldom used for salmon, although any of the larger fish of the region could be caught in the traps.
Fish River Villages, refers to the several settlements in the Fish River drainage area including some along the Council River. Today the region is called Fish River Flats, and the Eskimo name for the people of the area meant “people of the trout rivers” because of the unusually large number of trout to be found in the local streams.
Flipper, the foot like appendage of the sea mammals still prized as a food delicacy and formerly for the very strong tendons of the large mammal flippers used as sinew (thread) for stitching walrus skin for boat covers and other heavy duty skin sewing.
Grandfather/Grandmother, terms of honor given to elders who are loved and respected for their accomplishments and personalities. grandfather/grandmother, used as in English, as well as denoting elders without the special attributes noted above.
Greens, see Part I
Harpoon, seal, a smaller version of the toggle-head harpoon used for small seals and when needed for large land animals.
Harpoon, whale, a large heavy harpoon used for hunting the bowhead and other large whales and the walrus.
High kick, a test of agility, now called a “game” wherein the purpose was to test one's self to see how high a person could kick from an almost standing position with both feet in the air. A skin ball was suspended to hang free on its string, and raised after each kick. In 1973, the modern record is 8 feet, achieved in the 1971 Eskimo Olympics.
Hunter, a man of proven skill and luck in hunting, a term still given him even when age prevents him from participating — although he will usually be of the highest order of omaelik status.
Hunter, a man of skill in hunting on land or sea or both.
Ice Pick, see Tolk (tulk)
Inupiat, term given to the Northern Eskimos of Alaska as well as those who speak the Inupic Language in Canada and Greenland, although local dialects may differ in how the term is pronounced.
Inupic (Inupik), the root language of the Eskimos of Northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Imagination, Power of — as it appears in Chapter II, translates into the concept of logic and visualization in order to invent or predict things of the practical and ordinary needs of daily life.
Igloo, generie term meaning dwelling or house. It does not mean a structure made of ice or snow blocks except as a classification of many types of objects similarly used.
Imuruk, the drainage area comprized of the natural basin holding the Lower
Kuzitrin, Kruzampaga (Pilgrim), Cobblestone, and Agiapuk Rivers, Salt Lake and the Head of Tuksuk Channel.
Ingnukhunuk, girl's name (tr. exceptionally attractive, healthy, and physically strong)
Ivory, tusks and teeth of sea mammals and when found, tusks of mammoth.
Ivory rattlers, small (appx. 1" x 1") geometric pieces of ivory sewn on gloves or garments in sufficient quantity to create a noisy rattling sound during Dancing.
Iyaubsaruhk, Old Cape Nome village
Jackson, (first name unknown), first Christian buried at Pt. Hope
Jade, a gem stone found in great quantity along the upper Kobuk River in nuggets up to as large as a two-story house. It was used formerly for a variety of tools, often using water power on willow stick sweeps in river currents to hone the nuggets to sharp edges and shapes needed for blades, axes, and mawls.
Kahluluric, Cape Wooley.
Kalukauk, wooden ceremonial drum made of driftwood and holding water to provide tone and resonance, used in the Eagle-Wolf Dance.
Katauk, the opening in a floor used as the entry door to a building.
Kaukreouevick, a peak elevation used as a watching place — specifically, the highest elevation on Head of Tuksuk in Chapter X.
Kauwerak, old village site last inhabited by an elderly couple nearly 100 years ago, a generic term for the principal permanent settlement of the people of Imuruk Basin — thereby giving rise to their cultural name, Kauweramiut.
Kauweramiut, see above
Kayak, a small canoe-shaped skin boat completely covered except for a single (or double) round opening with a drawstring cover that could be tied around the paddler thereby making man and boat a single unit.
Kazghi (kuzighi, kuzghim), a place where men and boys worked and sometimes lived — particularly unmarried adult men. Also, the building usually served as a community center.
Keekicktoric, island, specifically a small island in Salt Lake used as a stopover in case of storm and for spring egg harvest.
Keekiktuk, Shishmaref village.
Keeyihoo oak, rhythmic chant used as a cosxwain's call for pulling oars in a skin boat.
Ki … , a shout of encouragement, like go! … go! …
Kie, go — as in begin.
Kivgaauhk, two messengers sent to invite other villages to the Eagle-Wolf Dance ceremony.
Kiviruk ( River), Davidson's Slough
Kleela, a power or ceremony of spirit power whereby spirits speak through a person in trance, also a part of healing power — a benign form of commanding spiritual aid usually held by women.
Koumuit, Salmon Lake squirrel hunting area
Kugruhk, arrow
Kungahruhk, old village at mouth of Tuksuk Channel
Kuthlitkitooit, narrows of Tuksuk Channel, also an ancient village site nearby.
Maonickipuk, mouth of a slough
Masts, refers to the masts of sailing ships used by the early whale hunters
Messenger Feast, see Eagle-Wolf Dance
Meticavick, bald eagle
Missionaries, any persons affiliated with the various Christan denominations active in Alaska regardless of their primary role in the village — teaching, healing, or seeking converts.
Muckluks (mukluks), a generic term for a skin boot of varying lengths used by Eskimos. Like igloo, it refers to any boot-like foot gear, with specific names for the many varieties.
Muckluks, Dancing or fancy — refers to decorated or intricately pieced and fashioned skin boots used mainly for dancing and social events of importance.
Muckluck string holders, loops of skin used to guide and hold the ties around the foot of the skin boot until it is wrapped around the ankle and tied. Without string holders the boot will not fit properly.
Muckluks, water — a light-weight boot made of hairless skin that is water proof.
Muzzue, “Eskimo potato” or “mouse nuts,” see Part I.
Nagasuktouk, Siberian man who abducted an Inupiat girl from Pt. Spencer trading meeting, thus starting a period of ill-will and warfare.
Nakhak, second wife of Anayuhk.
Napauruhk, young heroine of the Third Disaster, mother of Anayuhk (tr. pointed).
Nasaruhk, elderly heroine of the Third Disaster, grandmother of Paniruhk (tr. hood).
Nook, summer village (fish camp) specifically a community near Teller north of Nome, and another near Cape Nome south of that city.
nook, term for a sand strip with the Bering Sea on one side and a brack-water lagoon on the other known to be a good place for setting nets along the sea beach or seal hunting, depending upon the season.
Northwestern Alaska, a modern geographic designation for an area roughly from Unalakleet to Pt. Hope bounded by the Brooks Range on the north and following south along natural barriers and major rivers to outline the coastal portion occupied by Eskimo people. It includes Nome and Kotzebue.
Ohquienuhk, Eskimo name for a high mountain near Teller in the Kigluait Range.
Oolu, woman's knife, a crescent-shaped blade attached to a bone, wood, or ivory handle.
Paniruhk, Second Generation parent, a Grandmother, and heroine of Chapter V. Girl's name (tr. cute little daughter).
Parka, the traditional pull-over jacket-like outer clothing of the North, with a hood usually having a wolf or wolverine ruff.
Pauhktit, fast runners of a host village for the Eagle-Wolf Dance.
Pikliktalik, old village site on coast near modern Shaktoolik, also the present name of a river near where the village once flourished.
Pingahsuit tooahut, the wisemen stars (3) used for long range forecasting of weather.
Paula, a special dance get-together just for fun and social reasons.
Poke, a sack or pouch used for storage or carrying things, commonly used to describe a skin bag made of the entire body skin of the hair seal minus the head, and skillfully skinned so virtually no other holes or openings are made in the process. Empty inflated pokes are also used as floats in sea mammal hunting.
Poohgoutuk, a shallow wooden pail
Pt. Barrow (old village), refers to the settlement at the Point, not to the modern village a few miles east.
Punginguhk, a locally famous shaman particularly skilled in tricks of magic.
Quahauh, Go!, Start!, as a signal in a race.
Quiana, used as a common term of goodbye or thank you.
Quianaeleeloquahsee, the traditional form of expressing deep appreciation or thanks for an honor or trust.
Rawhide, the cleaned and scraped hide of land or sea mammals — often cut in strips for string or to be braided into rope, as well as for boot soles and other heavy-duty material.
Reindeer, a semi-domesticated specie of caribou — originally imported from Siberia at the turn of the Century to provide a staple meat supply for Eskimos
Seals, ogruk (bearded-up to 300 pounds), ribbon (up to 150 pounds) and hair or harbor (up to 75 pounds).
Seal poke, see Poke
Seal oil, oil rendered from the fat layer (blubber) between the skin and flesh of any seal.
Sinrapaaga (Sinrapaga) old village located on the river mouth of the Sinrok River, also refers to the river area itself.
Seelameu, companion of Ekeuhnik, hero of the First Disaster (tr. walking just above surface).
Second Generation Mother, Paniruhk
Second Generation Father, Anayuhk
Second Generation Forefathers, Anayuhk and Paniruhk, together with their forebears.
Seine, a net that can be drawn together like a pouch on a draw-string, also a net of fine mesh.
Shaman (shamen), men or women who commanded the powers of spirits — the arbitrators between the community and the spiritual world. Depending upon their powers and the nature of their spirit helpers, they could be considered an evil or a benevolent element of the community, although usually benevolent when called this term.
Shamish, a colloquial version of the term shaman.
Siberians, refers to the Eskimos of the Chukotsk Peninsula, Siberia.
Sinew, the tendons of land and sea mammals processed into a variety of strengths and weights of thread by drying, separating, and twisting the tissue.
Singer, a person who knows the traditional songs of ceremony and history of any Eskimo group.
singer, a person who can sing songs or compose new songs, but who does not have the special knowledge and memory of the Singer.
Sinkers, usually smooth stones that have been grooved to hold loops of rawhide or sinew so they may be attached to nets as anchors.
Sinramiut, people of the Sinrapaga River area
Sinrapaaga (Sinrapaga), old village located on the mouth of Sinrok River, also refers to the river mouth and drainage, itself.
Sinrok people, see Sinramiut.
Sinruk (village) old village near mouth of Sinrok River.
Sitit, wolf dens
Sitting shelf, a bench attached to the walls of a dwelling or kazghi that extends the full length of the wall, usually on all 4 sides.
Skin boats, see Umiak
Slate, thin leaf-like stone that breaks naturally with a sharp cutting edge or can be ground to a sharp edge easily.
Slough, half narrow pond, half creek - normally a collection spot for seepage that flows into a nearby creek, pond, lake, or river. Many sloughs are subject to tidal action in the Imuruk Basin if they drain into one of the major rivers. They are not usually stagnant water as is found in the meaning of slough in other parts of the United States.
Smoking leaf tobacco, refers to small bricks of leaf tobacco that were a trade item between the Siberian Eskimos and the Alaskan Eskimos starting in the early 1800s. This tobacco was provided to the Siberians by Russian fur traders either in exchange for local furs or to be used in trade with the Alaskans. It later was a trade item used by the whalers, as well. This should not be confused with “tobacco” used as a generic term for various leaf or power materials reported to be used for smoking prior to the introduction of leaves of the North American tobacco plant through European trade channels.
Snowshoes, a broad webbed flat oval or oblong frame to be worn like skies to displace human weight to facilitate travel over soft or loose snow and prevent sinking into deep snow, thereby slowing up travel.
Sooluk, man's name, specifically, the ancient weatherman prior to founding of Kauwerak village.
Soowaite, half-dried salmon eggs — considered a delicacy, but also used as a glue or sealer to waterproof seams in wood or bone.
Spirit (s), the extra powerful personality of the deceased.
Spirit Portal, a doorway into the world of the spirits.
Sunlik, old Golovin village
Sun Dog, a natural phenomenon when rings appear around the sun — when rings appear around the moon, they are similarly called “Moon Dogs.”
Sutguhk, bow, as in bow and arrows.
Synitoo Mountain, a double peak elevation in Kigluaites near Teller
Teegook, blind shaman of the Imuruk before founding of Kauwerak village, (tr. holds something in his head, i.e., wise).
Tendon, see Sinew
Tigaruk, Pt. Hope old village
Tigamiut, people of Pt. Hope area (also Tareumiut)
Tingmiakpak, a giant bird, usually refers to a giant eagle.
Tocmuk, a woman's dress with hood, presently of cotton cloth.
Tolk (tulk), an ice pick used to test the strength of ice or to make a hold in the ice for obtainig water, setting nets, or fishing.
Toolik. Epic hero, founder of Kauwerak village.
Totoruk, refers to the Big Dipper in the meaning of “Caribou Stars.”
Trade beads, refers to the glass beads used during the 18th and 19th Century that appeared in Alaska well before the advent of Euro-Americans through trade routes with Siberians or through trade connections reaching into American and Canadian Indian trade routes.
Trading Places, established centers of trade — a kind of neutral ground not used for permanent settlements by local people, i.e., locations on the Baldwin Peninsula (near Kotzebue), and on Pt. Spencer (near Teller).
Tuksuk, the area (banks and shores) of Tuksuk Channel.
Tundra ground, sod blocks cut from the tundra and used as building or insulating materials in construction.
Tuttu, term refers to the Big Dipper, tr. caribou, a contraction, in this case, of Totoruk.
Umiak, a large skin boat with an average hunting crew of 7 to 9 men. It is considered the safest small craft of the northern waters, and is commonly seen in three sizes (15, 20, and 30 foot length, 8 to 10 wide, and 3 to 4 feet deep). Their size was formerly designated by the number of walrus skins needed to cover the framework of driftwood or whalebone, i.e., 3, 3½, 4, and sometimes 5 skin size.
Village Council, the modern term for a group of residents elected to manage civil affairs. Currently, this council may or may not actually enforce the local concensus, since the opinions and decisions of respected elders plays an important role in village affairs. In the past a less formalized council ef elders, omaeliks, and hunters usually determined all civil matters in a community through the social mechanics of the Kazghi.
Whalers, sometimes called “Boston Men,” were the men who came in the ships to harvest the whales until this practice was no longer really profitable shortly after 1900. The term “whaler” was still applied for some time afterward to the traders who moved along the coast trading for ivory, furs, and products of Eskimo craftmanship.
Whaling boat, a small wooden boat used to retrieve the whales after they were killed by crews of the large whaling ships. A number of these boats were stored at various points along the Bering, Chukchi and Arctic sea coasts during the winter.
Winter-bleached skins, refers to skins or hides that have been cleaned, pegged or tied to stretching frames or platforms, and left to freeze and bleach during the winter. Certain skins of the seals and the caribou become snowy white during the process.
Wisdom, Power of — the companion of Power of Imagination, a concept of caution, accumulated experience, good luck, a sense of practical reality, and the implication of a long life time.
Witch doctor, a derogatory and erroneous term given to the shamen by early missionaries.
Witching, a colloquialism derived from the above referring to the “magic” or “sorcery” of the shamen.
Yupic (Yupik), language of the southern Eskimos of Alaska, a dialect of the same parent language spoken by people of St. Lawrence Island and the Siberian Eskimos.