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Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Various Artists
Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Recorded on St Lawrence Island by Miriam C. Stryker in 1966 this album features songs from the Yup'ik people who have long occupied the Island and who live in two separate villages Savoonga and Gambell. Yup'ik legend tells of the Island’s formation: "The Sea Goddess, picking up a handful of ooze from the bottom of the sea, squeezed it between her fingers, forming mountains that are part of its interesting terrain." This rugged terrain means a hard life for a people who live off the land. The songs relate through subjects such as hunting, fishing, boats, animals and the like. The lyrics are often very sparse and sometimes the song consists solely of chanted syllables. Liner notes include history of the Yup'ik and song information.

*Content Advisory: The terminology used in some of the song titles and descriptive notes for this album reflect outdated, inaccurate language that was imposed by outsiders and is often considered derogatory. We are working to update the terminology to the name preferred by the people themselves, as well as to consult with the community and descendants of artists on this album. Please see our Shared Stewardship page for more information.
For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

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101
Nick Wongatilin
00:54
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102
Nathan Noonwook
03:08
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103
Amos Penayak
04:35
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104
Nick Wongatilin
02:02
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105
Paul Jensen
00:55
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106
John Apongalook
00:53
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107
Nick Wongatilin
01:18
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108
Nathan Noonwook
05:17
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109
Nick Wongatilin
02:05
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201
Laurence Kulukbon
02:52
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202
Fred Angi
02:35
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203
Fred Angi
02:04
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204
Fred Angi
01:45
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205
John Apongalook
02:33
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206
John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska
02:47
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207
John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska
02:12
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208
John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska
01:43
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209
John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska
02:00
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210
John Apongalook
02:12