Nunivak Island Collection

ALASKA: ESKIMO WOMAN. An Eskimo woman wearing a nose ring and and a labret, dressed in a hooded parka made of intestinal parchment, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO WOMAN. Eskimo woman from Nunivak Island wearing necklaces, earrings, a nose ornament and beaded labrets below her lower lip, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO WOMAN. A Nunivak woman identified as Dahchihtok wearing nose ornament and labrets, Nunivak Islands, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

INUIT SLED, c1929. An Inuit sled at Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photograph by Edward Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: KAYAK, c1929. Kayak with seal hunting equipment, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photograph by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: HARPOON, c1929. An Eskimo man seated in a kayak prepares to throw a harpoon, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photograph by Edward Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO CAMP, 1928. Mens house at an Eskimo winter camp at Mihkoyak on Nunivak Island, off the southwest coast of Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, 1928

ESKIMO CHILDREN, c1929. A group of six Eskimo children sitting on a hill dressed in traditional fur clothing, Nunivak, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, February 1929

ALASKA: ESKIMOS, c1929. A young child and an older Eskimo wearing duck skin parkas, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, February 1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO CHILD. Eskimo child identified as Uyowutcha, probably from Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMOS, c1929. Four Eskimo children sitting on the edge of cliff, dressed in holiday costume, Nunivak, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMOS, c1929. An Eskimo mother carrying a child, identified as Joe Moses, on her back, Nunivak, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO MAN, c1929. A seated Eskimo man carving an ivory tusk, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO MASK, c1929. A Nunivak native wearing a ceremonial mask, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photograph by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO BOYS, c1929. Two Eskimo boys seated in a kayak on the water in the Nunivak Islands, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S, Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO, c1929. An Eskimo drummer playing his drum, an instrument made of walrus stomach or bladder, Nunivak Island, Alaska. Photographed by Edward S. Curtis, c1929

ALASKA: ESKIMO MAN. A Nunivak native wearing a maskette, or headdress, with a protruding headband around the crown decorated with feathers and a wooden bird head in the front, Nunivak Islands

Ground plan (top right), roof plan (top left), and section of an Eskimo mens house on Nunivak Island
ALASKA: ESKIMO HOUSE. Ground plan (top right), roof plan (top left), and section of an Eskimo mens house on Nunivak Island, off the southwest coast of Alaska. Diagram by Edward S. Curtis, 1928

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Nunivak Island, located in Alaska, is a captivating place where the rich culture of the Eskimo people comes to life. The island is home to remarkable individuals who proudly display their traditional adornments. An Eskimo woman from Nunivak Island catches our attention with her nose ring and labret, showcasing her unique style. Another striking image captures Dahchihtok, a Nunivak woman adorned with intricate necklaces and earrings that reflect her heritage. The island's inhabitants have mastered survival in this harsh environment for centuries. A photograph taken in 1929 reveals an Inuit sled on Nunivak Island, highlighting the resourcefulness of its people. Kayaking plays a vital role in their lives as well; a kayak equipped for seal hunting stands as evidence of their skillful navigation through icy waters. Intriguingly, we catch a glimpse of an Eskimo man seated in his kayak preparing to throw a harpoon—a testament to the resilience and expertise required for successful hunts. Meanwhile, at Mihkoyak on Nunivak Island, we witness an Eskimo winter camp where men gather inside their house to seek warmth amidst freezing temperatures. Children are not forgotten on this remote island; six Eskimo children sit together dressed warmly atop a hill while another group of four sits near the edge of a cliff—each child representing hope for future generations steeped in tradition. Uyowutcha captivates us with his innocent gaze—an Eskimo child likely from Nunivak Island—reminding us that these ancient customs continue to thrive. Lastly, we encounter Joe Moses' mother carrying him tenderly—a heartwarming scene that encapsulates the love shared within families here. Nunivak Island serves as both a sanctuary and testament to the enduring spirit of Alaska's indigenous peoples—their vibrant culture preserved through generations despite changing times.