Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

Artists explore the rich heritage of traditional tattooing at the Anchorage Museum

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk Jacobsen joins Anchorage-based Iñupiaq artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum in an exploration of the cultural significance of traditional tattooing at the Anchorage Museum.

Facial and hand tattooing was common throughout the Arctic until western religion censured the practice at the turn of the 20th century, Now, a growing number of indigenous people from Greenland to Alaska have begun to re-evaluate traditional tattooing as a method for connecting and reclaiming culture. Drawing inspiration from the Anchorage Museum collections, Jacobsen and Nordlum will examine traditional tattoo designs and techniques.

Through a series of workshops, they will work with artists and local youth to explore the heritage of tattooing by designing personalized temporary tattoos.

Tupik Mi (Iñupiaq for "tattoo people") is part of the Anchorage Museum's Urban Intervention Series of Polar Lab that aims to empower youth through healthy creative expression.

Media Interviews

10:15-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street

Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk Jacobsen and Iñupiaq artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum are available for media interviews in advance of the scheduled programming. Contact Laura Carpenter, lcarpenter@anchoragemuseum.org or 907-929-9227, to schedule an interview.

Skin-Stitched Tattoos Presentation

7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street

In this presentation, Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk Jacobsen and Iñupiaq artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum discuss pathways to cultural empowerment for indigenous youth by exploring the rich heritage of traditional tattooing.

Tattoo Workshop for Teens

3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street

Teenagers learn about tupik mi (Iñupiaq for "tattoo people") and explore the rich heritage of traditional tattooing. They also study traditional graphic designs found in historical objects in the Anchorage Museum collection. Interested media should contact Laura Carpenter, lcarpenter@anchoragemuseum.org or 907-929-9227.

Skin-Stitched Tattoo Demo

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, Above the Rest Tattoo, 916 Ingra St.

In this demonstration, Greenlandic tattoo artist Maya Sialuk Jacobsen uses skin-stitched techniques to tattoo Iñupiaq artist Holly Mititquq Nordlum.

ANCHORAGE MUSEUM

The Anchorage Museum is the largest museum in Alaska and one of the top 10 most visited attractions in the state. The museum’s mission is to connect people, expand perspectives and encourage global dialogue about the North and its distinct environment. Learn more at anchoragemuseum.org.

 

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