DNA Testing and Historical Context of Gut Garments

Creators and Contributors Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Chugachmiut (Contributor)
John F.C. Johnson (Author)

Summary A staff member from the Berlin Ethnological Museum describes the challenges of identifying materials used in artifact construction and the reasons why the museum would be slow to use DNA testing. Another staff member emphasizes the invasive nature of such testing and affirms that the museum would not undertake DNA analysis without the consent of the originating community. John Johnson adds that there are numerous paintings depicting people wearing garments similar to the gut cape in the collection.