Gift shops filled with handmade items offer a unique browsing and buying experience, and they give you the opportunity to purchase something one-of-a-kind for yourself or a friend. At Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative in Anchorage, AK, every item in their shop is made by one of the 250 Native Alaskan women who own the Co-Op.

Underneath the wool of the musk ox, there is a soft, downy substance called Qiviut. Although it is eight times warmer than wool, Qiviut is surprisingly lightweight, making it perfect for climates of all kinds. The items in the traditional line are 100 percent Qiviut, or 80 percent Qiviut and 20 percent silk in the newer Tundra and Snow line.

What makes the items from the Co-Op so fascinating is the original nature of every item. No two pieces are exactly the same. The women who own the Co-Op live in villages throughout Alaska, and each village has a unique pattern for their scarves and stoles. Individual Qiviut items can be traced to a specific village just by studying the pattern.

Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative has been producing a number of beautiful and durable Alaskan native goods since 1969. From scarves and stoles to hats and tunics, each item is rich with the history of the village and the individual that made it. Every piece is quality-checked to guarantee that it will serve you for years.

Give the gift of culture-rich, handmade, and long-lasting protection against the cold. Call Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers’ Co-Operative today at (907) 272-9225 or stop by their shop to feel the Qiviut for yourself. You can also visit their website for a full list of their products.