The Artistry and History of Aleutian Islands Bentwood Hats

Alaska Native artist Patty Lekanoff-Gregory explains the technique and artistry of making Unangax (Aleut) bentwood hats and visors. She also shares the importance of these hats in traditional Aleutian Islands culture. Patty was born and raised in Unalaska, on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Islands chain of Alaska, which is the westernmost part of the United States. She is the daughter of Nicholai S. Lekanoff, originally from the now abandoned village of Makushin (Unalaska Island), and Polly Kudrin Lekanoff, originally from the now abandoned village of Kashega (Unalaska Island).

To see a set of how-to videos and classroom lessons, please go to the "Making Bentwood Hats" section of microsite Sharing Knowledge Alaska: http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/sha...

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