Friday, June 26, 2009

Point Hope II





Exploring the area around Point Hope was amazing to say the least. The photos shown here are of the old homes built underground by the early Inupiaq people. The structure was built using whale bones as the frame work as we would use 2X4’s today. Once the frame work was complete the area around the living quarters was covered with dirt and sod. An open area on the top was covered with seal gut membrane to allow light free access to the home. There are still a number of these old homes at thee old Point Hope village site. While I spent time out in the old village area it always felt as though I was being watched. If ever there was a place of haunting, this would be it. The natives can tell you many stories about such things. I heard a few odd stories from other officers who were assigned at Point Hope at one time or another. It was an amazing place filled with interesting people.

3 comments:

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Oh, wow. How I would love to wander this area and feel those vibes, Randy. This post resonates within me. I'm currently reading Jean Auel's "The Shelters of Stone," and your post reminds me of the passages where Ayla explains how certain lodgings and tools are made. It's fascinating. I should have been an archeologist. Thanks for sharing this!

Judypatooote said...

I just wanted to say Happy 4th of July....and I'm on my way out, but I will be back to read you article... judy

Judypatooote said...

I'm back....I never would of thought of whales having huge bones like that....but I guess something has to hold them together....LOL...you sound like you have had such an amazing life. I wish i could have met you for coffee to discuss some of your adventures....and you know Ben Stein...you've met some really neat people....and thank you for the comment about my daughter's post....she is a talented women... if you go to www.vanderlende.com and click the portfolio food, you can see some of her food designs. she is a food designer...her honey is the photographer.... well have a great day.... judy ps I like your musictsab