article

Effects of a technological change in an Aleutian village

Arctic7 • Published In 1954 • Pages: 102-107

By: Berreman, Gerald Duane.

Abstract
This source describes in detail the way in which a change in one aspect of the native economy, as evidenced by the introduction of the wooden dory boat to replace the traditional bidarky (one-man skin boat), has affected the culture of the village of Nikolski. Some of the major changes taking place in the culture occur in marine hunting and fishing, economic dependence of the villagers on one another, seasonal shifts in village locations, childhood training, status of older members of the society, patterns of cooperation among the villagers, the position of authority of the chief, and women's status. The shift, then, from the bidarky to dory according to the author has helped transform the culture from one of traditional cooperation, independence and a secure village life to that of individual dependence upon unreliable outside resources.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Boats
culture
Aleut
HRAF PubDate
2007
Region
North America
Sub Region
Arctic and Subarctic
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1964-1965
Field Date
1952
Coverage Date
1922-1952
Coverage Place
Nikolski, Umnak Island, Alaska, United States
Notes
Gerald D. Berreman
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
gs 50000281
LCSH
Aleuts