Kal'unek From Karluk

Kodiak Alutiiq History and the Archaeology of the Karluk One Village Site

by Steffian, Amy (ed.)

Leist, Marnie (ed.)

Haakanson, Jr., Sven (ed.)

Saltonstall, Patrick

Karluk One is a remarkable archaeological site. For six hundred years, the Alutiiq built houses upon houses, preserving layer after layer of their ways of life. When fresh water from a nearby pond seeped through the deposit, the massive mound of cultural debris became suspended in time. Yet the site’s location at the mouth of a river meant it could disappear at any moment. Working together, researchers and community members recovered more than 26,000 items made of wood, bone, ivory, baleen, antler, and leather before the meandering river finally shifted and washed away the site forever.

Kal’unek From Karluk explores the site. Beautifully photographed, the book also features essays by community members and scholars and a glossary of Alutiiq terms developed for the artifacts by Kodiak Alutiiq speakers.

There are also essays written from local Elders, educators, and culture-bearers. . . . Not only does Kal’unek showcase our rich history through archaeology and history, but also celebrates today's strong community and the living culture of the Alutiiq people.

Tells the story of one of the most impressive archaeological assemblages in Alaska through seven detailed chapters that each provides contextual information to help readers understand the significance of the site itself and the artifacts that were uncovered from it. But it goes beyond this—it also tells the story of how this archaeological site and its artifacts influenced the beginning of a cultural renaissance movement on Kodiak Island.

—Nadia Sethi, The CRI Foundation

[An] unrivaled resource. . . . As an Alutiiq raised on Afognak and Port Lions, and immersed in our Native culture, I found both pride and inspiration from the extensive collection of artifacts that fill the book.

—Victoria N. Woodward

Interspersed with photos and essays from local elders, teachers, and researchers at the site, Kal’unek From Karluk allows readers to consider the project from multiple viewpoints and adds a personal warmth. . . . Those who love archeology, history, and Native culture will find this book to be a rare and worthy discovery.

—Alaska Magazine

Copiously illustrated by relevant artifacts from the site. Highly Recommended.

—CHOICE

Amy Steffian is director of research and publication at Kodiak’s Alutiiq Museum. Marnie Leist is curator of collections at the Alutiiq Museum and coordinator of the Kodiak Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Repatriation Commission. Sven Haakanson Jr. is curator of Native American anthropology at the University of Washington’s Burke Museum. Patrick Saltonstall is curator of archaeology at the Alutiiq Museum.