Project Award 2025

Darlene Ulak will learn the nearly-lost art of making natraq, the hard sealskin bottom of traditional piluguq, a waterproof, windproof and snowproof fur boot. There are different types for indoor, outdoor, traveling, hunting, are lightweight and keep feet warm and dry in all weather. Piluguq were used for everyday wear when Ulak was a child, but she now sees them only during yuraq (Yup’ik song and dance ceremonies). She hopes to teach others how to make them to keep this art alive. 

When asked what she would like the public to know, Ulak responded, “I enjoy learning about and creating by sewing, knitting, and beading some of our Yup’ik clothing and jewelry.”

(Left to right) Women’s Piluguq, 2024, ring seal fur skin body, beaver fur and fabric tops, dehaired maklak (bearded seal) skin soles, dehaired ring seal laces, leather; Child Size Piluguqs, 2024, clipped calfskin upper body, beaver and fabric tops, dehaired maklak (bearded seal) skin soles, leather laces; Women’s Piluquqs, 2021, ring seal fur skin body, beaver fur tops, fabric, dehaired maklak (bearded seal) skin soles, leather laces.