Try Here for some feathers. They will not be eagle, but dyed turkey feathers. ONLY native Americans can legally obtain eagle feathers by law. They can only be passed to a whitey (myself included) if they are left in a will. Even if you find a dead eagle laying on the side of the road, it is illegal to take a feather from it. Screwed up, but there were issues way back when where people were hunting eagles in order to get the feathers for fake native art and head dresses. (I am a member of the OA, BSA)


JC, I am really glad that you are doing this. I love the native American cultures (notice I don't say Indian because that too takes away from their heritage). I learned a lot about them with the OA. We studied primarily the Oglala Suix in my lodge. Through that, I gained a lot of respect for the culture. Honestly, I don't know much about the native Alaskan cultures. But, the cultural respect for the animals they hunt and the nature around them is the same. Even as a "pale face", whitey, whatever you want to call me, I do thank you for continuing the culture and hopefully teaching you kids. Here is aLink for you to learn a little about the OA if you are interested.

I would love to have an Ulu myself. I have seen them in use on buffalo (yes, same basic design) and the women using them were awesome with how fast they could work. Such a basic design and so useful.

Any way, thanks again for what you are doing.

Thanks Psywarrior! I won't call you any of those names. How about "Pigmentation Challenged" The term "Gussuk" (Gus' Sukk) is used to affectionately described "white" people by many, but not me...I will not participate in anything that makes someone else feel unwelcome or different. We are all brothers and sisters, share the same Earth...the sooner many realize this than we can have better lives.

Take care friend and thank you for the comments.

That is some neat stuff.
You're a talented guy.

You do great work! I really like the peice in the last photo!

I have been called many things regarding being an "outsider". I take none of them as personal slight. Most of the time it was out of respect though. When I was at the embassy in Tokyo, there was a limo driver that used to watch me eat. One day, he finally approached me and asked how a "gaijin" could use Ohasi (chopsticks) so well. That lead to a 2 hour conversation and a friendship. Along with history, I love learning abput different cultures. As the outsider/foreigner/whitey, I earned respect for a true interest and not the curiosity of a tourist. Never compared, just learned. I want to learn EVERYTHING I can. Respect other cultures and a name which would be used as an insult to others will become a sign of affection/appreciation or respect for you.

Your Gussuk

Do you make your own Ulu blades, or do you just carve the handles. I love my Ulu, mom picked it up in Alaska for me along with a cutting board. Very cool tool. You do some great work there, bud

Thanks Dave. I do cut my own blades. The one you probably have is from the "Ulu Factory" they do make some nice ones that are usable, but most are for selling as trinkets to tourist(Even these make dang good Pizza slicers).

and Psy(Gussuk)

Thank you for your insight. I feel the same way and try my very best to learn about other cultures. I am not too shabby with chopsticks myself .

So, how much would you charge me for


and what would it cost to ship to the real world? Just kidding. What do you think it would cost to ship to Nevada?

Wow! You have some really beautiful handmade works of art! So glad you are keeping your tradition alive.

I did bead work, but lost everything when I moved 15 years ago. I am now thinking of buying new supplies and getting back into it. My dad (who is now passed) had some Sioux in him, so I guess the Spirit just gets passed down naturally, it gave me the joy, and respect, of appreciating all things Native.

This post has been edited by HotShot: May 30th 2009 9:05 PM

That is very cool!
You are a man of many talents and tradition. Much of that is being lost through the generations, unfortunately.