Ulu - Ulukaq
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center > Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Alutiiq/Sugpiaq Ethnographic Collection
1978.029.001
Metal;Wood/Plant material
Width: 5.75"
Depth: .5"
Length: 6.75"
20th century
Alutiiq
The object was found with other items in the old Northern Commerical Company store building in Unalaska.
Possibly made as a souvenir. Similar to traditional styles for the Kodiak area. There is an identical ulu in the collections of the Hertiage Library, National Bank of Alaska. See also Sheldon Jackson Museum "Maps, Dreams…" for another example; see also :Under Mt. St. Elias" for a Yakutat example.
A wood handled ulu with a semi-lunar sheet metal blade. The handle is pigmented red, and is decorated with a row of serrated notches near the base of the handle near the blade and by several deeply engraved lines. The handle has a pointed oval slot cut through it. There is no particular indication that it was ever used. Koniag style.