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Tuesday 16 February 2016

Amauti Barbie

As I write, the windchill here is -40.  Traditional people of the north dealt with cold like this without the benefit of central heating.  They are the most resourceful people on earth. They sewed clothing from the furs of the animals they hunted using the bone to make needles and sinew for thread.

In winter an amauti is worn with the fur next to the skin, and a second one is worn with the fur out.  The capacious hood is designed with an inner pouch (an amaut) so a baby can be carried safe and warm on the mother's back but can be moved to the front for feeding.

The women who made the clothing would embellish the garments with  pieces of contrasting fur or beads.  Now,  woven fabrics are often used but the basic design is retained. 

Barbie is also wearing lined pants and knitted mukluks.  The baby is, as tradition dictates, completely nude.