Marilyn Hank Otton is Inupiaq from Point Hope, Alaska. Marilyn was taught the laborious art of weaving baleen by her parents, renowned basket makers Eunice and Carl Hank. Marilyn’s parents worked side-by-side and often attributed their baskets to each other, regardless of who actually wove the piece. Their trademark finial was an ivory carving of a double seal.

Baleen comes from the bowhead whale. These large mammals are used for subsistence in the remote villages along the Arctic waters. The Inupiaq use all parts of the whale for food, clothing, tools and/or art. Bowhead whales are filter feeders and have hundreds of overlapping baleen plates consisting of keratin hanging from each side of the upper jaw.

Today, only a limited number of basket makers process and weave baleen. Endless hours of work go into the preparation of the baleen and patience is crucial in creating the wraps in straight loops and angles. Continuing the family legacy, Marilyn taught her sons Harry and John Hank the unique art.

Marilyn creates a variety of small baskets each year. About once every three years, she creates a large showpiece basket. Her meticulously woven, beautiful baskets can be found in private collections and fine art galleries throughout the world. She currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska.