Fish Skin Work

Fish skin is a material that has long been valued by Alaska Native peoples as a waterproof, windproof and abundant resource which can be fashioned into clothing, material for bags, baskets, mittens, boots as well as jewelry. Fish skins can be home tanned or purchased commercially. As a byproduct of an important subsistence resource, using fishskin for material culture is resourceful and sustainable. 

I’m self taught on the-almost lost fish skin art. I teach cultural activities to students and adults. I always say be proud of your achievements. There is no right or wrong in art.

– Marlene Nielsen (Kipiaq), from lake Iliamna (Nanvarpagmiut)

I’m self taught on the-almost lost fish skin art. I teach cultural activities to students and adults. I always say be proud of your achievements. There is no right or wrong in art.

Marlene Nielsen (Kipiaq), from lake Iliamna (Nanvarpagmiut)