Sewing
with Fish Skin
PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION , skin sewing has been used to make everything from canoes to baskets and waterskins .
After moving to Sitka in 2013 from Bethel , Alaska , Karen McIntyre had no idea she would soon be taking fish skin sewing classes , let alone teaching them . Inspired by the fish skin artifacts housed at the Sheldon Jackson Museum , Karen took classes through the Sitka Fine Arts Camp and soon fell in love with the ancient Alaska Native tradition .
Fish skin sewing is a delicate process that involves scraping the scales and flesh off the fish before willow tanning the cleaned skin in a salt and freshwater solution . After multiple soaks , the skin is ready to be stretched , dried , and oiled before it can be sewn into garments , baskets , or jewelry .
“ Fish skin sewing has made me feel more connected to my Yup ’ ik heritage ,” says Karen . Mentored by Athabaskan skin sewing expert Audrey Armstrong , Karen has found that sewing gives her time to remember and honor her ancestors by not letting any part of an animal go to waste .
“ Depending on the season and the species of fish , the colors and striations of the skin change as well . I ’ m always in awe of the intricacies I find in the sewing process ,” she explains . Karen continues to share her enthusiasm and knowledge of skin sewing through the classes she teaches at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp . Visitors can view the fish skin artifacts that inspired Karen to start sewing at the Sheldon Jackson Museum , which showcases a beautiful and diverse collection of cultural and historical Alaskan objects .
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