About Oomingmak
Musk Ox Producers' Co-operative
A unique northern gift of exquisite Qiviut items, brought to you since 1969 by Oomingmak, the original Alaskan Co-operative. The Co-Operative is owned by approximately 250 Native Alaskan women from remote coastal villages of Alaska who knit each item by hand.
What is Qiviut?
Qiviut (pronounced "kiv-ee-ute"), the downy-soft underwool from the Arctic musk ox, is shed naturally each year during the spring months. Eight times warmer than wool and extraordinarily lightweight, Qiviut is one of the finest natural fibers known to man. Unlike wool, Qiviut is not scratchy and will not shrink in any temperature of water. It can be hand-washed in any mild detergent and will last for many years. Learn more »
Our Items
The items knitted in our traditional line are 100% Qiviut and natural in color. Each village has a signature pattern for the scarves, stoles and smoke-ring. These patterns are derived from traditional aspects of village life and the Eskimo culture, such as ancient artifacts, skin sewing or beadwork design.
The newer line of Tundra and Snow, introduced in 1999, is 80% Qiviut and 20% Silk, blended together. Some of the yarn is in the natural color and some in a bleached off white, so that the beautiful patterns are knitted making a contrast between the two. The Tundra and Snow Caps and Headbands are practical for any sports activity, yet beautiful to wear to a special event.
All the items made by the Co-Op members are as comfortable to wear on cool days in a warm climate as they are in chilly weather.
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How We Work
When knitting is received at the Co-Op headquarters by mail from the remote villages or in person by the visiting member, it is checked over for quality and entered into inventory. The member is paid for her work, and the knitted items are washed, blocked, labeled and packaged, ready for our customers.
Learn more about our knitters »
Our Store
Oomingmak visitors come by the little brown house with the musk ox mural on the corner of 6th and H Street from all over the world. Many of our customers find us on the web or through the printed media and choose to call our toll free line (888) 360-9665.
If you are in Anchorage, call our local number (907) 272-9225 or stop by our downtown shop at 604 H Street to see and feel our quality Alaskan hand made products. More contact information »
