Non-Food Plants
Piniqkruq Iñupiaq Name: Piniqkruq phonetic spelling: binick-kruck plural: Piniqkrut translation /other information none known English Name: Scientific Name Elymus arenarium Source: L.
Piniqkruq is a tall grass, reaching about 3 feet high. The grass grows profusely around the beaches in Golovin. The long, dark green leaves have sharp pointed tips. The flowers are densely packed on the flower spike. The plant turns brown in the fall and is collected at this time. Piniqkruq is used to make baskets. When t he grasses turn brown they are collected in large bundles and stored until winter, when the baskets are made. Long winter months are perfect for indoor craft production. There are few people left in Golovin who weave baskets anymore. I visited with a teacher from Stebbins, Alaska, Debbie McAlaster, who does basket work. She learned from her mother and is currently teaching her students in Golovin how to weave. I tried to weave some green leaves to see if I could and I did okay. Debbie demonstrated her techniques for me and explained that the dry grasses must be soaked over night to soften them and prevent cracking and breaking of the leaves. She uses Rit dye to make patterns and said there are natural plant dyes but it is easier to use Rit. Blueberries, cranberries and alder would make excellent dyes for the piniqkruq if Rit was unavailable.