МАЭ № 2868-231

Celebration kamleika

Kodiak Eskimos

19th c.

bear intestines, sinew, sealskin, skin of cormorant, woolen thread

length 134 cm, width at the hem 92 cm, width including the sleeves 171 cm, width at the cuff 13 cm

Voznesenskii provided the following description of this kamleika: “The kamleika is very thin made from the intestines of the American black bear. Kamleikas of this kind are sewn only for those of high station. It is distinguished from other ordinary kamleikas by its exceptional lightness and by the fact that when traveling one could fold it up into the pocket of one’s overcoat. In inclement weather a kamleika is worn over ones’ clothing and hat, tied tightly under the chin and at the wrists, and belted at the waist with a leather strap. This is done when a hunter or traveler is traveling by kayak on the ocean.” (PFA RAN. F. 142. Op. 1 before 1918. No. 9. p. 59).

Ethnography of America