Description
Book Synopsis: Honorable mention for the Victor Turner Award for Ethnographic Writing from the Society for Humanistic AnthropologyHonorable mention for the 2008 William Mills Prize for Non-Fiction Polar BooksSurvival in the harsh subarctic environment requires great resourcefulness and ingenuity. The Yup'ik people of southwest Alaska meet the challenge by using traditional technology and by following a philosophy that recognizes the personhood of all living things and the environment. Their use of nature's resources is a testament to the mutual respect and generosity that exists between humans and the animals, plants, land, and sea that sustain them.
Wastefulness being disrespectful, Yup'ik elders made use of every last scrap from hunts and harvests: seal guts became warm, waterproof, and breathable parkas; the skins of fish were fashioned into waterproof mittens, while their heads and entrails were stored in naturally refrigerated pits as insurance against future famine. Dried grasses became anything from insulating socks to bedding to sled rope, or even goggles to protect against snow blindness; rancid seal oil mixed with tundra moss became "Yup'ik epoxy" for caulking and gluing; and driving snow was manipulated to provide a defense against its own dangers. Although tools have changed, Yup'ik people today continue to engage in many traditional harvesting activities, using these new means to accomplish distinctly Yup'ik ends.
In Yuungnaqpiallerput / The Way We Genuinely Live, Yup'ik elders examine tools and daily-use items, explaining how they were made and for what purpose. Just as Western science relies on the testing of hypotheses, Yup'ik science developed its technologies through systematic trial and error, yielding ingenious and effective solutions to life's challenges. The elders also delve beyond the practical aspects of these artifacts to elucidate the ways in which their creation and use are part of Yup'ik cosmology and traditional spiritual values. Every item carries special significance, and the actions associated with each should be undertaken with awareness and deliberation, for nothing goes unnoticed by the consciousness of the surrounding universe. Ann Fienup-Riordan explores these manifestations of Yup'ik technology by following the seasonal cycle of harvests and ceremonial renewals, a journey revealing the beauty of these artifacts that extends beyond the aesthetic surface to connect with the living pulse of the universe.
Details
Discover the art of survival in the harshest of environments with Yuungnaqpiallerput / The Way We Genuinely Live: Masterworks of Yup'ik Science and Survival. This extraordinary book, honored with the Victor Turner Award for Ethnographic Writing, will transport you to southwest Alaska, where the Yup'ik people have thrived for centuries. Their resourcefulness and deep respect for nature have enabled them to overcome the challenges of the subarctic, demonstrating the profound connection between humans and the environment. Immerse yourself in their traditional technology and philosophy, and be inspired by their incredible ingenuity.
Witness the incredible sustainability practices of the Yup'ik elders as they make use of every part of their hunts and harvests. From transforming seal guts into warm parkas to fashioning fish skins into waterproof mittens, their ability to repurpose nature's resources is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As you delve into the pages of this book, you'll learn how dried grasses serve multiple purposes, rancid seal oil becomes a versatile adhesive, and even driving snow is harnessed for protection against its own dangers. The Yup'ik people truly exemplify the beauty of minimizing waste and maximizing the usefulness of every element.
In Yuungnaqpiallerput / The Way We Genuinely Live, Yup'ik elders unravel the mysteries behind their traditional tools and daily-use items. Through their insightful explanations, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the intricate craftsmanship and purpose behind each artifact. Similar to Western science, Yup'ik science developed through systematic trial and error, leading to ingenious solutions for the challenges of daily life. Moreover, the elders offer profound insights into the spiritual values and cosmology that are woven into the creation and use of these artifacts. Through their teachings, you'll realize that every action connected to these items has significance, as nothing goes unnoticed by the consciousness of the surrounding universe.
Embark on a journey through the seasons with author Ann Fienup-Riordan as she unveils the mesmerizing beauty and deep meaning of Yup'ik technology. Each page is brimming with rich descriptions and captivating photographs, providing an immersive experience like no other. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the hidden layers of Yup'ik culture and witness the seamless integration of practicality with spirituality. Let Yuungnaqpiallerput / The Way We Genuinely Live serve as a gateway to the living pulse of the universe, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.
Don't miss out on this remarkable exploration of Yup'ik science and survival. Discover the ancient wisdom of the Yup'ik people and be inspired to connect with the environment in a profound and respectful way. Experience the power of traditional knowledge combined with modern insight by grabbing your copy today.
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