The history of the Alutiiq people is preserved in a multitude of archaeological sites.  In the Kodiak Archipelago, dense prehistoric populations left large accumulations of cultural debris that have resisted decay in the region's persistently cool, wet environment.  In a addition to the stone tools commonly found in Alaskan archaeological sites, many of Kodiak's ancient middens contain shell, bone, antler, and ivory objects.  A few hold spectacular assemblages of wood and fiber artifacts.  In addition to objects, Kodiak's sites are rich with features.   Houses, hearths, clay-lined storage pits, slate boxes, and burials, add to the wealth of buried information on past ways of life.

Archaeologists have located more than 850 sites in the archipelago, or about 4% of all known archaeological sites in Alaska.   Kodiak's prehistoric sites include the ancient shell-filled  villages that dot the coast, burial caves in secluded mountain settings, stone weirs built to trap salmon, petroglyphs pecked into cliff faces, ridge top cairns, stone quarries, and even ancient trails.  Kodiak also holds historic sites.  The Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, the Erskine House - home of the Kodiak Historical Society's Baranov Museum, and the concrete bunkers at Fort Abercrombie are all listed on the Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (the state's list of cultural sites), as thy reflect significant events in Alaskan history.

Archaeologists have been long attracted to Kodiak's well preserved sites, making the archipelago one of the more extensively studies regions of Alaska.  Archaeological research began in the 1930s, with the work of Smithsonian anthropologist Ales Hrdlicka.   Over succeeding years, archaeologist developed a cultural chronology for the island, describing the sequence of indigenous societies.  This led to more detailed studies of past lifeways in each prehistoric era, and ultimately a better understanding of the origins and evolution of Kodiak's Native people.  Despite extensive research, there is still much to learn and Kodiak archaeology continues at a rapid pace.  Today Alutiiq people and archaeologist conduct research in partnership.  Through efforts like the Afognak Native Corporation's Dig Afognak! and the Alutiiq Museum's Community Archaeology Program, Native people and scientist are working together to explore questions of mutual interest.

--courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum

For information on things to do and places to see to learn more about the Alutiiq people of Kodiak contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau.