Sewing Tools

Needles were made from bird bone, stone and ivory. They were stored in skin sewing bags called 'housewives' in southern Alaska, and bone and ivory tubes, or needle cases, in northern Alaska. Both needle cases and sewing bags were often elaborately decorated, ensuring that respect for the animal spirits is recognized.

Women make bags from an assortment of skins, oesophagus, intestines, grass and other materials that demonstrate their exceptional skills. Sewing bags are used to store sinew, pieces of skin, fabric, needle cases, thimbles and other items used for sewing. Animal sinew is separated from the meat, dried, softened and split into thread. Thimbles are made from bearded seal skin or ivory.

"Even today I take care of my sewing tools; it's like they are alive in my hands." Lucy Apungaluk, Gamble, Alaska 1989