Liliia Zdor and her team* describe a parka made of bird skins

“It is sewn from the skins of Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri). The kuchlianka is in excellent condition. It was probably never worn. It has a hood and a hem made of dog fur.

Moulting birds were caught with nets. The birds molt in July, which means they cannot fly. Several people held the net and slowly moved around its ends. Then the net was thrown over the birds. The birds were gathered and brought back to the camp. Bird hunting lasted all day, and often continued the next day. The meat was dried, and the bones were used to make broth. Everything was eaten with enjoyment. Many feather skins remained from the birds. The birds were cut along the back, and the plumage was spread out on a flat surface and dried. Afterwards, the dried skins were lightly moistened and kneaded a bit. To prevent the thin skin from tearing, they were sewn with a fine needle. A kuchlianka was then cut from them. The kuchlianka looks beautiful, but it has little practical value because it tears easily. It wears out and can rot when exposed to moisture.

Such a kuchlianka was made more for wearing at festivities. Most likely, this one was made for an exhibition at the fair, where people from all over Chukotka used to gather to sell and trade their goods and products.”

* Liliia Zdor, Galina Etul', Irina Gyrgol'naut, Irina Nutetgivev and Mark Zdor.

Self-recorded. Fairbanks, 2024.