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.
Visiting this small shop is a truly unique Alaskan experience- the staff are so warm and helpful, and the knowledge they provide regarding the qiviut products is a great resource. With products knitted from indpendent small communities all over the state, I would recommend stopping in to learn more and pick up one of the most comfortable hats or scarves you'll ever find!
JH
Jackie Hemphill
Jul 1, 2025
5.0
I visited in February of ‘25 and I had a wonderful experience. The staff was so kind and helpful. I purchased a hat from them and it is so warm! I constantly get compliments on it and I tell people with glee that it supports Alaskans directly. This place is definitely worth a visit. Even though it’s expensive, you get what you pay for (greatness!). The photo is of the hat while I was at dinner in Anchorage.
RH
Riley Huff
May 21, 2025
5.0
This is a one of a kind shop. Staff was super friendly and helpful
AC
Alyssa Curran
Sep 11, 2024
5.0
amazing quality products, so soft. and it’s really cool to see the co-op members creating the yarn from raw materials and knitting in the shop.