Piniqkruq is a tall grass, reaching about 3 feet
high. The grass grows profusely around the beaches in
Golovin. The long, dark green leaves have sharp pointed
tips. The flowers are densely packed on the flower spike.
The plant turns brown in the fall and is collected at this
time.
Piniqkruq is used to make baskets. When t he grasses
turn brown they are collected in large bundles and stored
until winter, when the baskets are made. Long winter months
are perfect for indoor craft production. There are few
people left in Golovin who weave baskets anymore. I visited
with a teacher from Stebbins, Alaska, Debbie McAlaster, who
does basket work. She learned from her mother and is
currently teaching her students in Golovin how to weave. I
tried to weave some green leaves to see if I could and I did
okay. Debbie demonstrated her techniques for me and
explained that the dry grasses must be soaked over night to
soften them and prevent cracking and breaking of the leaves.
She uses Rit dye to make patterns and said there are natural
plant dyes but it is easier to use Rit. Blueberries,
cranberries and alder would make excellent dyes for the
piniqkruq if Rit was unavailable.
|