Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A handsome pair of men's mukluks handmade from caribou hide, cow hide, felt, and sealskin. The skin of the bearded seal is very tough and was the popular choice for Inuit shoes, and seal was used in this pair. The upper foot and shin area are made from caribou hide, specifically from an autumn coat. The toe box is lined with a green cow leather, and leather is also used as a cord for binding the boots. The upper foot opening is trimmed with blue felt and cow hide layers of brown and white fur to form geometric designs. Mukluks are the traditional cold weather boots of Arctic people. The word comes from the Yupik word "maklak" for bearded seal. With European influence, the techniques and materials were adapted to meet greater artistic standards. This pair combines both traditional and foreign techniques and materials. The artisan chewed the seal soles of these mukluks to crimp the edges, rather than using a metal tool. Size: 10.5" L x 4" W x 16" H (26.7 cm x 10.2 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, purchased from Peter Sovalik, Arctic Research Laboratory, Barrow, Alaska, USA in 1960 or 1961

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#166430

Active shedding of hairs. Worn with light signs of use. Expected wear and scuffs to soles. Missing interior footbed liner. Some odors from storage and organic matter. Not recommended for wearing.