Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez Preserving Alaska Native Culture Through Barbies
by pedro graterol
Photos: courtesy
Anchorage-based artist Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez intricately weaves Alaska Native culture and tradition into her captivating dioramas with Barbie dolls, transporting audiences into a world of creativity and heritage. Angela’s artistic journey began in Huslia, interior Alaska, where she was inspired by her late grandmother’s creativity. “During the summertime, my late grandma used to make little supplies and clothing and things like that for our Barbie dolls as we played,” Angela reminisces fondly during an interview for Sol de Medianoche News.
Angela’s passion for crafting blossomed over the years, leading her to create stunning accessories and dioramas that pay homage to her cultural roots. Initially crafting for her daughters and later for artistic purposes, and even fundraisers, Angela’s attention to detail is evident in every piece. From meticulously crafted fishnets to tiny Ulu knives (known as tlaabaas in the Koyukan Alaskan language), each element holds significance inspired by her grandmother’s techniques: “My late grandma used to use those little aluminum parts from Morton saltshakers, you know, the ones with the little scoop and round part on it, and then she would put a little stick on it. That was the tiny Ulu knife for my Barbie.”
Angela’s dioramas gained widespread acclaim on social media platforms like TikTok, where her fish camp diorama garnered attention and praise. “It’s been really heartwarming to see the response from some people just wishing that they had that when they were kids. It’s healing for them to see that. It’s healing for me too, to be able to share it and just touch people.” Angela notes that her work has also sparked interest in other native communities, inspiring them to incorporate their cultural elements into similar projects.
Importantly, Angela’s art aims to challenge the narrative that Alaska Native culture is a relic of the past: “There’s a perception that Alaska Native people don’t exist anymore, which is really surprising. People don’t know that we’re living people. The way stories are told in the mainstream is that we’re always talked about in the past. But we’re living and breathing people. So, this is a good way to share our story.”
This representation holds significant importance in Angela’s artistry, particularly for future generations: “It just gave [my daughter] a sense of pride and thinking that it’s okay to be Native,” Angela explains. “Instilling that self-esteem and self-worth and seeing people, seeing themselves represented is just amazing, something that fills you up.”
Angela’s cross-cultural household, with her spouse from El Salvador, enriches her artistic journey with a blend of Alaska Native and Latino influences. “Sharing different foods and traditions between Alaska Native and Latino cultures creates a unique blend of influences that enriches my daughter’swork,” Angela reflects.
Looking ahead, Angela is committed to preserving Alaska Native culture through her art, with plans to create dioramas that celebrate her heritage. From a dog mushing Barbie to other culturally significant scenes, Angela’s dedication serves as an inspiration, bridging generations and cultures through creativity and representation.
