Alaska Native Crafts and Art are best exemplified at The Alaska Native Heritage Center with collections showcasing all of the indigenous cultures in Alaska. There are native baskets, tools, watercraft, clothing, pieces of art, drums and more. See these Items on display in the
Hall of Cultures when you visit Anchorage, Alaska. We are also pleased to introduce various local native artists which offer original native art, crafts and unique gifts.
Alaska Native Crafts and Gifts by Shirley Jimerson
Welcome
to my Alaska Native Crafts. My name is Shirley David-Jimerson,
Upper Tanana Athabascan of the Naltsiin clan. I am originally
from the village of Tetlin, Alaska. My late mother, Helen
C. David (granddaughter of Chief Thomas) was originally
from Wood River.
My great grandfather Charlie David
was the original Upper Tanana tribal member and the son
of Chief David of Tetlin. As a young girl I learned to bead
as most young Athabascan girls did. I grew up in a traditional way living
off the land, traveling camp to camp. We are a hunting and
gathering tribe. We as a family traveled the four seasons
to winter, spring, summer and fall camps. I am very proud
of my heritage and culture.
My work is the traditional beading
style, each done individually by hand, making it a one-of-a-kind
item. Therefore the beaded items (gloves, moccasins, and
jewelry) will take time to make and send. I am a Silver
Hand Artist. I
am also a storyteller, writer, beader, tradition bearer
and teacher of my language at the Alaska Native Heritage
Center. I have worked regularly in teaching my culture to
youngsters for more than 20 years.
Bead
Work Jewelry
and Crafts Quilts