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Kuspuk

Handmade Kuspuk, made by either Easter Henry or Clara Sampson, 1982-1984, Alaskan Inuit, cotton calico, gift of Nanette Arseneault, 1989.18.5.

The Kuspuk is a handmade overshirt with a hood and large front pocket for the wearer’s hands. It was traditionally made with either animal skin or gut, but when Western stores became steadily more prevalent in Inuit native lands, industrial textiles were used. The Kuspuk can be made and worn by both men and women, but this one is made for women as seen in as the fabric near the bottom is gathered akin to a skirt.