| Summary: | Markets Seen In Alaska For Eskimos Goods. Markets Seen In Alaska for Eskimo Goods WASHINGTON (UP.) — Director Ernest Gruening of territories and island possessions in the Department of Interior believes there is a considerable market in Alaska for Eskimo commodities fashioned from copper, ivory, furs and wood, as well as woven baskets. "The native craftsmen to date do not supply the demand," he said, on returning from a trip to Alaska. "But under proper vocational guidance they could recapture this socially and economically useful field which belongs to them." Gruening explained that while craft industries are not the chief Eskimo revenue, they are very important. Sale of hand-made goods enables the native Indians and Eskimos to, obtain cash which is used to purchase supplies for fishing and hunting, occupations which furnish their main source of livelihood. Three-quarters of the totem poles sold to tourists in Alaska are made, in the Orient, he said, indicating the prevalence of foreign made goods. Asked how this situation could be remedied, jGruening said establishment of native cooperatives would be. a boon to individuals and communities.
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