Alaska Native Culture: Kuspuks

Classic attire with a colorful or patterned hooded garment with a big front pocket.

• kuspuk

• quilt

• dress

• pants

Kuspuk is an English word based on this Indigenous Yup’ik word.

• qulqervik

• qaspeq

• qulvar

• qenavik

The English translation for qaspeq is ______.

• cloth over parka

• pattern with parka

• hooded dress

• Yup’ik hoodie

The original qaspeq was made from _________ to keep the wearer warm and dry.

• cashmere, chiffon, or silk

• moose hide, lace, and ribbon 

• cotton, wool, or polyester

• gut skin, animal hide, or feathered bird skin

Today, kuspuks are often made of colorful or patterned _____ and are locally hand-made.

• silk material

• cotton material

• fleece material

• wool material

Generally characterized by the large front pocket and hood, kuspuks are worn by _______.

• women only

• women and men only

• children only

• men, women, and children

______ are worn for everything from berry picking to hunting, dancing to drumming, daily life to special occasions.

• kuspuks

• fake eyelashes

• ties

• Dresses

Kuspuks have become ubiquitous in Alaska, with even the state Legislature practicing ______ in Juneau.

• Kuspuk Mondays

• Kuspuk Wednesdays

• Kuspuk Fridays

• Kuspuk Sundays

The kuspuk designs were inspired by the fur-and-intestine parkas worn during ______ months.

• spring

• summer

• fall

• winter

A village or family could have a specific kuspuk style or pattern that is unique to them. 

• True

• False