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Anchorage Museum displays rare grass parka 9/22/10

By Joaqlin Estus

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kbc/local-kbc-925494.mp3

Anchorage, AK – One of three grass parkas known to exist is on display in the Anchorage Museum at the Rasmuson Center atrium. This one and a second one were made by 85-year-old Yup'ik Lena Atti, of Kwigillingok, in western Alaska. The third is more than 100 years old. Grass parkas, as well as grass mittens and socks, were an essential part of the attire that kept northern indigenous people warm in an extreme environment.