article

Effects of a technological change in an Aleutian village

Arctic • 7 • 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.

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