The incredible Alaskian Native ...

... art of beading and the making of fur and leather parkas is an art form that has been passed down for years. 

The beading is beautifully done with vibrant colors and tight design. On display were many different pieces of clothing.... jackets, boots, mittens.  I recall that the technique utilizes two strings of thread so that if one string breaks, the beads remain secure with the other.

I wondered how long it would take to make a jacket like this or a pair of boots ... I could expect to receive them "next year".  And, the next natural question was, "And, how much would it cost me?" Although I don't recall the exact amount, I do remember thinking that it was well beyond what I could afford. However, after watching a coat being made, I seriously doubt that there is anything that we could by in a store that would provide the beauty, warmth and wind protection that these beautiful pieces would provide.

The Alaskian Native home utilzes the natural resource of grass. The beautiful color of the lush grass against the hand cut logs is a stricking contrast. Smoke billowing from the smoke stack coming through the grass roof had a beauty of its own.

Food was stored in this elevated cabin that was also used to hang the pelts to be dried.

The end result of this delicate art of beading and using pelts for clothing was a magnificent jacket. I felt that I had been given a special gift to watch the beading and to "experience" the results.  My breath was taken away when this beautiful woman raised the hood over her head.  Just stunning!