Chagudax: A Small Window Into the Life of an Aleut Bentwood Hat Carver. That’s the name of a recently published book about Andrew Gronholdt, a renowned bentwood hat carver who passed away in 1998.

The book is a combination of Gronholdt’s diaries and illustrations of his artwork.  Sharon Gronholdt-Dye, co-editor of the book and daughter of the author says it tells the story of his life, growing up in the Shumagin Islands and discovering his passion for bentwood hats.

“There were a couple of people maybe that dabbled in it, but it never really went any place.  And I don’t really know that much about that path, but I think from our area in the Shumagins, Dad was the only one.”

She says one of the most vivid moments her father describes in the book is fox hunting on Dolgoi Island as a child. Gronholdt's family got stuck on the island in bad weather and almost starved.

“They didn’t have anything at all for days and then they’d get a sea gull and that fed the family – one night.”

Dye says the book also recounts stories from her father’s days as a mail carrier to remote communities.

“They used to go on a boat and then take the dories into the islands – you know, row in – and deliver to these fox farmers.

The book's other editor, Michael Livingston, says it also tells the story of the chagudax.

“The hats are more than just wooden hats.  There are strong spiritual connections to the hats.  They help provide the Aleut kayakers spiritual strength when they were voyaging out into rough seas to go hunting or fishing.  And they are just a symbol really, of Aleut strength and Aleut spirituality.”

Gronholdt’s hats are displayed around the state, including one in the Unalaska City School. 

You can find out more about the book at www.andrewgronholdt.com.