THE AMERICAN MUSEUM JOURNAL 



THE EXHIBIT OF CHUKCHEE CLOTHING. 



The Chukchee of Eastern Siberia are divided into two well- 

 marked groups, the Maritime, who live along the coast, and the 

 Reindeer, whose home is in the interior. The mode of life of 

 the two branches offers certain striking differences. For both 

 divisions the climate is hard and the cold in winter extreme, 

 and even in summer the thermometer seldom rises above 45° F. 

 The clothing of both branches is devised with special reference to 

 protection against the extreme cold and the driving winds, and 

 at the same time to allow freedom of movement in the active 

 life which the people lead. 



The Reindeer Chukchee, having better skins and furs at their 

 disposal, have developed the winter clothing to a much higher 

 point than their Maritime relatives, while with regard to summer 

 clothing the contrary is the case. Through barter each division 

 has obtained from the other its best kinds of garments, and as a 

 consequence the general character of the clothing worn by the 

 two divisions is the same. All kinds are in the collection. 



The chief material used is reindeer skin, that from fawns in 

 the late summer being preferred. This is prepared by tanning or 

 scraping. Sealskin is also used, the preparation being the same. 

 Waterproof suits of the intestines of walrus and seal are also worn 

 in summer, an idea which has been borrowed from the Eskimo. 

 Cloth obtained from American whalers and Russian traders is 

 made into outside garments as a special protection against wind 

 and snow. 



The Chukchee man's clothing is very practical, and the cut 

 and style have been adopted by all the neighboring tribes. The 

 suit consists of hood, coat, trousers, boots and mittens of rein- 

 deer skin. The coat is a loose, double garment with fur both in- 

 side and out. The garment is really two coats, one fitting closely 

 inside the other, which are not fastened together, but can be 

 quickly separated and dried. The double coat is put on over 

 the head, and the neck opening is drawn close with a string. The 

 sleeves are tight at the wrist and very loose at the shoulder, and 

 the skirts are ample. The coat thus permits very free use of the 

 arms and body, and can be slipped on and off easily and ciuickly. 



