Oomingmak/Musk Ox Producer’s Co-Op
| November 13, 2009 | Written by: Ruth |
Oomingmak is not only a fun word, but a great place to buy qiviut. The amazingly soft underwool from the Arctic musk ox.
Oomingmak is the Eskimo word for Musk Ox. It means bearded one. Pretty descriptive of the large hairy animals. Each spring the animals shed their underwool and it is carefully gathered to make yarn.
Oomingmak/Musk Ox Producer’s Co-Op is a co-operative venture owned by over 200 Native Alaskan women from the remote coastal villages of Alaska. Each item is knitted by hand by one of these owners.
Qiviut is about eight times warmer than wool and much lighter weight. It also cleans easily and lasts a long time.
Each village has its own signature pattern derived from different aspects of village life.
Qiviut is fairly expensive, but it is worth the cost. The wool keeps you warm but doesn’t itch like wool and will stay cool in warmer weather. It’s basically magic as far as I can tell!
The idea of the co-operative is as wonderful as the products they produce! The quality of work is excellent and the work helps support women that might have no chance for income without this project.
You can visit the store at 6th & H or go on-line and make your purchase at www.qiviut.com.
