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Loon skin sewing bag
Mary Avakak
2013
loon skin, sinew
Sewing baskets are required to store the multiple small tools used by an Inuinnait seamstress. In the past, these bags were often made from the bodies of loons.
To prepare a loon bag, the skin is removed from a bird, turned inside-out and then carefully scraped to remove the fat. Once cleaned, the skins are dried while filled with heather or other materials to keep their round shape.
Mary Kaniak and Mary Avalak skinning loons to make into bags.
A loon skin is turned inside out for scraping.
Loon skin sewing bag made by Mary Avalak
Mary Kaniak and Mary Avalak skinning loons to make into bags.
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