Global InformationNalukataq information
Nalukataq (Inupiaq: [nɐlukɐtɑq], naluk- 'to throw it underhand; to toss it up' + kataq) is the spring whaling festival of the Iñupiat of Northern Alaska, especially the North Slope Borough. It is characterized by its namesake, the dramatic Eskimo blanket toss. "Marking the end of the spring whaling season," Nalukataq creates "a sense of being for the entire community and for all who want a little muktuk or to take part in the blanket toss....At no time, however, does Nalukataq relinquish its original purpose, which is to recognize the annual success and prowess of each umialik, or whaling crew captain....Nalukataq [traditions] have always reflected the process of survival inherent in sharing...crucial to...the Arctic."[1]
After the spring whale hunting season, successful crews celebrate with a Nalukataq festival.[2] Associated with the summer solstice,[3] these take place in June and are scheduled to avoid conflicts between villages in order to allow friends and relatives from distant communities to share the bounty and the fun. In Utqiaġvik, for example, Nalukataq is usually held in the third week of June. Other villages may be in the week before or the week after. Scheduling depends on how many whales were caught as well as other factors.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, multiple Nalukataq celebrations may be held, and each of these may be put on by several captains. Utqiaġvik, because of its large population, has the most events, but Point Hope, Alaska and other villages along the North Slope also stage several.[4][5] For example, Kaktovik and Nuiqsut.
- ^ Fast, Phyllis A. (2010). "Alaska at 50: Language, Tradition, and Art", Alaska at 50: The Past, Present, and Future of Alaska Statehood, p.78-9. Kimura, Gregory W.; ed. University of Alaska. ISBN 9781602231085.
- ^ Spencer, Robert F. (1959). The North Alaskan Eskimo, a Study in Ecology and Society, p.478. "The 'blanket toss' celebration held at the close of a successful spring whaling season."
- ^ Fair, Susan W. (2006). Alaska Native Art: Tradition, Innovation, Continuity, p.254. University of Alaska. ISBN 9781889963792. "Members of these groups harvest whales and celebrate with feasting and rituals honouring the traditional roles of Inupiaq men and women, the status of whaling captains, and the continued abundance of whales."
- ^ Berit Arnestad Foote, The Tigara Eskimos and Their Environment, North Slope Borough Commission on Inupiat History, Language, and Culture, Point Hope, Alaska (1992), ISBN 978-9993524700.
- ^ "Uiniq – The Open Lead" Fall 1995, Volume 9, Issue 3, North Slope Borough.