Inuit
The Inuit are an Indigenous people known for their ability to thrive in the harsh Arctic environment. They live in regions like Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and parts of Russia. The Inuit are skilled hunters and fishers, relying on animals like whales, seals, and caribou for food and materials. They build unique homes called igloos and use kayaks for hunting on water. The Inuit believe in many spirits and hold special ceremonies to honor them. Despite facing many challenges, including climate change and modernization, the Inuit have preserved their culture and continue to share their traditions today.
Location and Environment
The Arctic region of North America stretches 5,000 miles from the Bering Strait to Greenland. The January temperatures often drop to -40º Fahrenheit. The land is flat except for the central Alaska area.
Housing and Shelter
Permanent homes were made of stone and earth. They were built partially underground. Whale ribs sometimes supported the roof. Temporary winter hunting lodges called igloos were made from snow and ice. The Inuit formed a circular foundation of ice blocks. They stacked smaller blocks to create a dome at the top. A small hole was left for ventilation. Gaps in the ice blocks were filled with soft snow, and the inside was lined with furs.
Clothing and Adornments
Warm clothing was important to the Inuit. Sealskin was usually worn in the summer. In the winter, caribou skin was worn. Caribou's skin was lightweight yet very warm. Clothing was also made of other skins, including musk oxen, polar bears, and birds. The women skinned the animals and made the clothing. They used bones for needles and gut thread. Both men and women wore hooded tunics and trousers over long boots. The women’s tunics were large so that they could carry their babies inside the tunic.