Main Street in Skagway, Alaska

Minus the power lines and paved road, you’d think this was an old western town. (Let’s just imagine those men walking down the street in cowboy hats and bolo ties.) Along this strip you’ll find the Bonanza Bar and Grill which serves fresh Haddock and chips and with homemade tartar (that’s a funny word) sauce. But it’s not just a gem of a restaurant you’ll find down this road. You’ll also find gems. No, really…real gems. They’re over at the Diamond Center by Treasures International where they sell loose gemstones and diamond jewelry. And if you’re looking for a souvenir that’s not quite as costly as a diamond, you can head on over to Lynch and Kennedy, a gift shop that sells native Alaskan arts and jewelry.

“Art” has (unfortunately) become a relative term over the years. What one person might consider to be modern art, might be offensive to another. But here in Alaska, I think that the majority of (sensible) people would agree that the native arts and crafts really are that – art.  It might not be something that every home would welcome, but taking a careful look at the raw materials used, the simplistic and natural designs, it is easy to find the meaning behind the material. That is art.

One of the things to really appreciate about the native people is the artful way they create items for practical day to day living. Just take a look at any basket purchased from Lynch and Kennedy. Though it serves a practical purpose, the weaver didn't miss attention to detail. Resourcefulness is also very important to the natives. If it’s not eaten, it’s used for other purposes – from bone-carved figurines, to deer-hide drums, these artists don’t miss a beat when it comes to repurposing (what we might consider) trash into treasure. For some samples of other whalebone figurines, click here.