The qelutviaq (or kelutviaq) is a single-stringed lute or fiddle played by the Yup'ik people of Nelson Island and southwest Alaska. White or black spruce root (negavgun) is used to string the qelutviaq. This instrument reflects the centuries of cultural exchange that occurred between the indigenous peoples of the Siberian and Alaskan Arctic and visitors from Russia and elsewhere. From the late eighteenth century, music was an important social tool that eased the tension of language barriers between these various groups. Unlike a European-style instrument, the gelutviaq cannot be tuned, suggesting that it was not intended to produce complicated or precise melodies. Instead, it was likely used to provide backing drones or rhythmic, tonal punctuations to singing.

This richly decorated example shows lively designs on the face of its soundbox, with painted mythical spirit creatures and mask-like roundels carved in relief that act as the sound hole. A similar example in the Smithsonian Museum is identified as originating from the Kuskokwim River region in southwest Alaska.

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