On the rooftop of the world, the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, tells the story of the Iñupiat people. They have thrived for thousands of years in one of the most extreme climates on Earth, hunting the bowhead, or "Agviq." In the 19th century, the quiet northern seas swarmed with commercial whalemen from New England, who also sought the bowhead for its valuable baleen and blubber.
Clothing of the Inupiaq
Traditional clothing of the Inupiaq on exhibit at the Center
Waiting for whales
A whaling crew (Hopson 1) waits patiently at the open lead for a bowhead whale, May 2002.
Inupiat Heritage Center
The Inupiat Heritage Center promotes Inupiaq culture, history and language through exhibits, classes, performances and activities.
Inupiaq whalers
Masks
A collection of masks from the Inupiat Heritage Center
