Nelson Island's Diamond Pattern Stole

Item Number: 156
Time Left: CLOSED
Description
Adapted from the decorative trim of a parka used by the Eskimo population in the Nelson Island area, this design is thought to represent the clashing of the pack ice as it breaks apart in the waters around the Island in the spring. This Qiviut stole was handknit by co-op members who live in the villages of Nelson Island, over 400 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. View detail of the Nelson Island pattern at .www.qiviut.com/qiviut/store/images/map3.jpg
This ashbrown stole can be draped on the shoulders or wrapped around the head, and measures approximately five feet long x 18 inches wide. Since each is handknit there will be some variation in size. These extraordinarily lightweight and soft stoles can be handwashed and will not shrink in any temperature of water. Enclosed with the stole will be a gold card that has the knitter's signature and the name of the village she is from.
Special Instructions
Oomingmak, the Musk Ox Producers' Cooperative, is a Native-owned co-op with 200-plus members from remote villages of Alaska. The majority of the founding members who started knitting in 1969 are still active and have involved their daughters, granddaughters, friends and neighbors. Most members live a subsistence lifestyle, so the income received by knitting helps to pay for much of family's living expenses.
All items are made of Qivuit (pronounced KI-VEE-UTE), the downy soft underwool from the Artic musk ox. A musk ox annually sheds an average of 5 pounds of this fiber, which is then carded and spun into a fine yarn. Qivuit is an extremely soft, lightweight fiber that is eight times warmer than wool. View more of the work of the Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' Co-op by going to www.qiviut.com.
Note: Winning bidder is responsible for paying the cost of shipping.