Spirit Houses and Church

by Cathy Mahnke

Title

Spirit Houses and Church

Artist

Cathy Mahnke

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The spirit house is a tradition among some Denaina Athabascan groups in southcentral Alaska. Early Alaska Natives in this region cremated the dead. Following conversion to the Russian Orthodox religion, some Denaina began to build spirit houses upon the graves of their loved ones. These houses are meant as a dwelling for the soul, believed to linger on earth for forty days. The colors are chosen to represent the family in some way. The houses are a very poignant memorial to loved ones who have passed, and may be quite ornate. They are combined with the distinctive Three-Barred Cross of the Russian Orthodox faith.

These spirit houses are located in the Eklutna Historical Park. The log church in the background is the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Built in Knik by Russian missionaries around 1870 (possibly as early as 1830,) the log church was moved to Eklutna in 1900. It was used until 1962 when a newer church was built. It is the oldest intact log structure in the greater Anchorage area, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Uploaded

July 27th, 2016

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