St. Lawrence Island and Diomede Islands — Bering Strait
The Siberian Yupik
Walrus hunters of the most isolated islands, keepers of the ancient bridge traditions
Honoring oral tradition through audio narration
The angyapik — the Siberian Yupik skin boat — was a large open vessel used for bowhead and walrus hunting. The hunt required split-second coordination in moving ice. A mistake could capsize the boat and kill the entire crew.
Walrus herds that hauled out on sea ice provided the most concentrated food source. Approaching a herd on drifting ice required precise reading of ice movement and wind direction. The food of St. Lawrence Island was almost entirely marine.
We ate everything. The parts you might throw away — that is where the strength is. The liver. The kidney. The stomach contents. The old people knew this. Everything has a purpose.