Florence Nupok Malewotkuk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Florence Nupok Malewotkuk
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Florence Nupok Malewotkuk working on a brush painting in 1965
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| Born |
Nupok / Napaaq
March 4, 1906 |
| Died | 1971 (aged 64–65) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Painting |
Florence Nupok Malewotkuk (born March 4, 1906 – died 1971) was an amazing Siberian Yupik artist. She was also known as Napaaq Maligutkak.
Florence was famous for her drawings that showed Eskimo culture and local animals. She also drew pictures of traditional tattoos. Her art style was simple and natural, which led some people to call her the "Grandma Moses of the Bering Sea."
Besides drawing, Florence was skilled at making beautiful beaded items. These included Mukluks (soft boots made from sealskin), toys, and slippers. Her artwork has been shown all over the United States. You can find her art in important places like the University of Alaska, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Anchorage Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution.
Early Life and Art
Florence Nupok was born in 1906 in a small village called Gambell, Alaska. This village is on St. Lawrence Island, off the coast of Alaska. Her parents were Peter Aghnilu Okinello and Akimuq Qenaaghaq.
When she was a young girl, her uncle encouraged her to draw. She would draw at home by lamplight. Since art supplies were hard to find, Florence drew on whatever she could. This included drawing tablets, labels from tin cans, or even sealskin.
In 1926, Florence married Chauncy Malewotkuk. They adopted a son named Woodrow in 1933.
Drawings for Otto W. Geist
In late 1927, an archaeologist named Otto William Geist visited St. Lawrence Island. He asked Florence to create drawings that showed the traditional ways of the Siberian Yupik people.
Over the winter, Florence drew more than ninety pictures for him. Her drawings showed everyday life, like how people dressed in fur clothes, prepared food, hunted, fished, and lived in their homes and camps.
Geist later included some of her drawings in his report, Archaeological Excavations at Kukulik. This report was published by the United States Department of the Interior. Today, her collection of drawings is kept at the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska. Copies are also at the Smithsonian.
Documenting Tattoos
Florence Nupok was very interested in women's traditional tattoo markings. She drew many pictures of these tattoos. Her drawings have been very helpful for people who study tattoos among the Eskimo people. This includes tattoos on the faces and hands of Siberian Yupik, Alaska Yupik, and Inupiaq people.
Later Career and Legacy
After working with Otto Geist, Florence focused on her home and family for some years. In 1955, she started a new project with Kay Roberts, an artist from Anchorage. Kay Roberts sold copies of Florence's artwork under the name "Bering Sea Originals." Florence was paid for her art, but she did not get extra money from the sales.
After 1965, Florence created more art for this business. She drew fun pictures, like walruses dancing and having dinner.
In 1964, Florence was accepted into a special training course in Nome, Alaska. This course was for designers and craftspeople, funded by the government through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. Florence was the only woman in the class of 32 people. She was also the only one who knew how to create graphic art on paper.
Florence Nupok passed away in Anchorage in the spring of 1971 after a long illness. In the same year, the University of Alaska held a special show of her artwork.
