The Yup'ik Culture

The Yup'ik culture of Alaska ranges
from Bristol Bay all the way to
Norton Sound, and along the
Nushagak, and the lower Kusko-
kwim and Yukon rivers. Settle-
ments were once seasonal, with
winter villages and a variety of
food gathering camps in spring,
and fall. Coastal villages rely heavily
on sea mammals, fish and shellfish, while
riverine communities use mostly land mammals,
salmon and other freshwater fish. In winter, settlements
had different home for men and women, but the whole
village would eat and celebrate together. Men lived in
a center building called the "qasqig," which also served
as the community center. Women live in familial units
in smaller "ena" houses. Dancing played an important
role in both social and spiritual events. Many cele-
brations and ceremonies used dance and surrounding
villages would often visit each other for these occasions.
Round drums made of walrus stomach and played with a
slender stick provided rythmics beats and melodies were
sung. Both men and women could choreograph, sing and
dance. Special masks, headdresses and fans were used. In regards
to storytelling, everyone was responsible for passing stories from generation to generation, thus teaching valuable moral lessons and cultural details. Many of the traditions are still maintained to this day. However, modern ways of life have also been embraced, with internet and other modern tools and conveniences being used alongside ancient tools and ways.