About the Artifact

About the Artifact

© Canadian Museum of Civilization, VI-I- 28, Photo Marie-Louise Deruaz, IMG2012-0171-0004-Dm

The hood is made from the head skin of a young caribou, complete with antler buds and ears. The trousers are held up by suspenders of smoked, dehaired skin drawn through a piece of skin attached at the front. For warmth and comfort, the feet are made with the fur inside. Judging by the number of patches on the knees and ankles, and the worn soles, this suit saw considerable wear.

Gwadàl’ Zheii: Belongings from the Land has been developed in collaboration with the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute (www.gwichin.ca), Northwest Territories, and the Heritage Branch of the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (www.vgfn.ca), Yukon. Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Gwich’in through artifacts, historic and contemporary photographs, and oral histories and stories told by Elders.

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