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
350 p., illustrated in color throughout, 9.5 x 11.5
Format: cloth
Price: $50.00
2015
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.