Introduction
This whale carving was used as a seat in an umiak (oo-me-ack), a large open boat used for whaling. This carving on the underside of the seat is an example of a whaling effigy used by Inupiaq whalers as a helping spirit to attract bowhead whales.

For centuries the Inupiaq people have used umiaqs to hunt bowhead whales that migrate along the northern coastline of Alaska.

Umiaqs are made with a wooden frame and covered with either walrus skin or bearded sealskin. They can carry a crew of 6 whalers and all their hunting gear. The whaling captain sits towards the back of the umiak and guides the hunt.