On the rooftop of the world, the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska, tells the story of the Iñupiat people. They have thrived for thousands of years in one of the most extreme climates on Earth, hunting the bowhead, or "Agviq." In the 19th century, the quiet northern seas swarmed with commercial whalemen from New England, who also sought the bowhead for its valuable baleen and blubber.

Traditional clothing of the Inupiaq on exhibit at the Center

Clothing of the Inupiaq

The Inupiat Heritage Center promotes Inupiaq culture, history and language through exhibits, classes, performances and activities.

Inupiat Heritage Center

A whaling crew (Hopson 1) waits patiently at the open lead for a bowhead whale, May 2002.

Iñupiat Heritage Center

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