Research Explores Indigenous Fish Skin Traditions and Sustainable Fashion Practices

Elisa Palomino, an associate researcher at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, has published a cover story in Expedition magazine examining Indigenous fish skin material culture. The article draws from her visit to the Penn Museum's Amur River fish skin collection with Smithsonian colleagues and curator William Wierzbowski. Palomino's research connects historical Arctic practices with contemporary fashion sustainability, referencing her prior work at John Galliano's Paris studio where fish leather was used in the 2002 Autumn/Winter collection. The study highlights how Indigenous communities like the Amur River Natives employ fish skin in garments with spiritual and ecological significance, contrasting these sustainable approaches with modern fashion industry practices. The research aims to reposition such artifacts within art historical narratives and acknowledge Indigenous artistic heritage.