Interview with Eric Clock
Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Raymond Eric Clock (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Raymond Eric Clock (Contributor)
Eric Clock introduces himself and shares his reflections on the Chugachmiut trip to the Berlin Ethnological Museum in 2023.
Eric Clock introduces himself, sharing his Sugt'stun name, genealogy, and upbringing. He describes his overall experiences and impressions of the trip. He also reflects on where he has previously encountered artifacts from the Chugach region, in both local and non-Alaskan museums, and what it means to handle and interact with the artifacts in Berlin.
Eric shares that viewing the artifacts up close revealed a surprising degree of attention, genius, and craftsmanship on the part of his ancestors, and expresses wonder that the objects still exist and can be touched. He describes how he knew his ancestors made soups in watertight baskets by placing hot rocks in them, and discusses a particular teapot in the collection that offers insight into how his ancestors likely made tea.
He shares his hope that the artifacts can be made digitally accessible and potentially compiled into a book, so that young people and community members can learn about the objects and draw on them to inform their own craft and artistic practices. Eric also hopes the objects might travel to the United States on a touring exhibition, giving others from the region the opportunity to see them up close.
Finally, Eric speaks to his hopes for future generations — that they carry living knowledge of the culture and language and lead healthy lives. He reflects on the transition from a subsistence economy to a cash economy and the ways that shift has shaped life in the community.
Eric shares that viewing the artifacts up close revealed a surprising degree of attention, genius, and craftsmanship on the part of his ancestors, and expresses wonder that the objects still exist and can be touched. He describes how he knew his ancestors made soups in watertight baskets by placing hot rocks in them, and discusses a particular teapot in the collection that offers insight into how his ancestors likely made tea.
He shares his hope that the artifacts can be made digitally accessible and potentially compiled into a book, so that young people and community members can learn about the objects and draw on them to inform their own craft and artistic practices. Eric also hopes the objects might travel to the United States on a touring exhibition, giving others from the region the opportunity to see them up close.
Finally, Eric speaks to his hopes for future generations — that they carry living knowledge of the culture and language and lead healthy lives. He reflects on the transition from a subsistence economy to a cash economy and the ways that shift has shaped life in the community.
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Born Digital
MP4
2023.010.510.MP4
Copyright 2023 Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation
