"Hang it over the smoke
and fan the flames fast!
Build the fire high and higher,
letting smoke tan each side.
Now, call down the rain!
Ask for a hard hail, too."
This story from Alaska concerns what happens after a successful autumn moose hunt, when the community works together to completely change the hide of said moose into high quality leather. Auntie leads with a message of thanks; it is followed by many helping hands getting to the hard work of scraping the hide. The hide is then soaked and stretched to wring out the water. The work continues to further soften it.
Once everyone has peed on it, it is given another stretch before letting it get wet in the rain. The brain is used to make 'brain goo' before building a pit fire. Once the brain goo has been worked into the hide to make is soft and smooth, it is smoke tanned over the fire. Once more, rain (and even hail) help to make it even softer. Stretch it once more, and it is ready to be pinned.
"At last, pin it to the beams.
Pull it tight until it gleams.
Hold it up to the sky -
the wind will help it dry."
Now, what?
This informational picture book offers up some surprises for listeners, as well as a clear look at one of the many traditions of the people of Alaska. Digital images of many community members working together to produce something that will benefit all is captivating and contributes to fully understanding the multi-step process.
An author's note is appended.
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