Pants — Ul'uk
Ul'uma iruk tak'gwakallriik, taaten mingq'gkii.—My pant legs were too long, so he sewed them.
Image: Drawing of caribou skin pants from Katmai, 1843, AM888
Pants were not a common part of the Alutiiq wardrobe. In classical Alutiiq society, both men and women wore parkas. These long, robe-like garments came at least to the calves and sometimes to the ankles, making pants unnecessary. However, pants were not unknown and may have been worn in the winter for added warmth and protection beneath a parka. Collections of clothing from the 19th century Alaska Peninsula community of Katmai feature both long pants and short pants with drawstring waists. Pairs of short pants made from caribou leg skins are decorated like parkas, with fringes of caribou skin and red cloth, appliqué decorations, and puffin beaks. A pair of long pants made from de-haired caribou skin features built-in feet and porcupine quill decorations. These pants closely resemble pairs made by neighboring Dena’ina and may be a trade item.
The Alutiiq word ul’uk refer to the soft tanned pants of the past, but it has come to mean everything from jeans to khakis and suit pants. Interestingly, this word is dual. It ends in a k indicating the presence of two things. In this case, the dual ending refers to the two legs in a pair of pants. Similarly, the Alutiiq word for cod roe, ul’uguaq, means something like pants. This is an apt description as cod roe features two, long, joined egg sacks.
The Alutiiq word ul’uk refer to the soft tanned pants of the past, but it has come to mean everything from jeans to khakis and suit pants. Interestingly, this word is dual. It ends in a k indicating the presence of two things. In this case, the dual ending refers to the two legs in a pair of pants. Similarly, the Alutiiq word for cod roe, ul’uguaq, means something like pants. This is an apt description as cod roe features two, long, joined egg sacks.