PINUKPUK

WHAT IS PINUKPUK? IN EDDIE MUTUC’S WORDS

Pinukpuk is a traditional process by which designs are embossed on metal sheets which are used as adornments in mostly ecclesiastical items. Mutuc begins working on metalwork with his detailed designs on a piece of paper. He then transfers the design on a block of wood by chiseling out the details to be covered with a metal sheet so the design coaxes out through careful hammering with a mellet and an old rubber slipper. After this process, the solid metal sheet is dipped in molten silver but necessary hammering and polishing are needed to bring out the details of the piece.