
In this 1906 photograph, a Native Alaskan woman is shown carrying her baby securely nestled in the hood of her fur-lined coat. This practical and heartwarming image reflects the ingenuity and cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, who adapted their lives and practices to thrive in one of the world's harshest environments.
The Native Alaskan population historically comprises five distinct groups: the Aleuts, Northern Eskimos, Southern Eskimos, Interior Indians, and Southeast Coastal Indians. These groups were categorized by researchers based on their geographic locations and cultural practices, although they generally do not use these labels to define themselves. Instead, each group possesses its own unique traditions, languages, and identities, shaped by the land and sea.
The Aleuts, primarily settled on the Aleutian Islands, excelled in marine hunting and created highly efficient kayaks. The Eskimo groups, both Northern and Southern, are known for their exceptional craftsmanship in building igloos and their reliance on subsistence fishing and hunting. The Interior Indians, located inland, were skilled in hunting and trapping in dense forests, while the Southeast Coastal Indians, influenced by the Pacific Northwest culture, built large wooden homes and were renowned for their intricate totem poles.