CIS Accession # A-8822 is a model of an Inuit hunter with his kayak. It was made on Qeqertarsuaq (formerly Disko Island), off the northwest coast of Greenland. It was collected by Dr. B. L. Rogers in August of 1873, and was later donated to the museum by G. E. Hubley.

The climate and topography of Greenland are inhospitable at best. A flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but the narrow coastal areas, which are mountainous and barren. There is continuous permafrost over the northern 2/3 of the country, and there is no arable land. The native people, known as Inuits, traditionally survived as semi-nomadic hunters and fisherman. With the scarcity of natural resources, they lived in small tribal bands or extended family groups. In the winter, they lived in snow houses on the sea ice, hunting seals and walruses. As the weather warmed, they split into smaller groups and moved inland, setting up skin tents near fishing areas and caribou hunting grounds. In the autumn, large quantities of fish were trapped in stone weirs, and then dried in preparation for winter. This staple diet of meat and fish was only occasionally supplemented, in warmer months, by plants and birds’ eggs.

In the face of these daunting conditions, Arctic peoples developed skin boats that became essential components of their lifestyle. These boats were found almost exclusively in the North American Arctic, from the Bering Sea to the eastern coast of Greenland. There were two main types, the umiak, an open boat 15 - 60 feet in length, used to transport cargo and passengers, and the kayak. The kayak, similar to today’s modern version, was a small, single-person boat resembling to a decked canoe that was developed exclusively for hunting. These kayaks were highly maneuverable, even in heavy winds and seas, easy to paddle, quick, and when needed, silent. They enabled the hunter to get close enough to his prey to attack effectively with harpoons, darts, and later rifles.

While there were regional differences in framing and hull design, many kayaks were built along similar lines. The framing was made of wood, historically driftwood as there was little native timber. The frame was built first, and only when it was completed was the skin cover, usually sealskin, fitted. Usually the cover was stretched and sewn over the frame, but was only attached at the manhole, making it easy to replace when worn.

CIS # 8822

Pictured above, CIS # 8822 is a model of an Inuit hunter with his kayak. It represents a popular subject, and its length (24 ˝ inches), detail and delicate construction illustrate the influence of European tastes and preferences. The boat is constructed of a wood frame covered with skin, sewn up the center top from bow to stern. The manhole opening is also wood, sewn in place with sinew thread. Lashings (image C) on the deck of the kayak are made of leather with bone separators; there are also bone ornaments on the bow and stern. There are slender wooden strips along the bow and stern, pegged in place, representing the guards on the hunting kayaks that protected the skin from damage by ice (image D). The figure consists of a minimally but effectively carved head attached to a sturdy wooden peg. He wears a hooded leather garment that suggests the upper body and sleeves, and there is a loop opening to accommodate the handle of the paddle. Both the paddle and the harpoon are delicately carved of wood and bone.

Prior to the eighteenth century the Inuit had limited contact with the outside world. However, the early nineteenth century brought increasing exposure to foreigners. European whalers, fur traders and missionaries discovered the area, and explorers began searching in earnest for a Northwest Passage. These visitors were to have a profound effect on Inuit art and lifestyle.

Traditional art objects were small and portable, to fit the Inuit semi-nomadic lifestyle. They were stylistically simplified, and were often believed to hold magical power. Early visitors were eager to trade for these items, and gradually their purchases and preferences began to influence Inuit production. Traders were primarily interested in objects that represented traditional life, and model kayaks, dog sleds and igloos were popular purchases. The more realistic and detailed the piece, the more interest it generated – a definite move away from the simple and stylized traditional work. They also wished to display their purchases back at home, so they encouraged larger and more delicate works that could grace a European table top. Inuit artists adapted to these requests, and later responded to calls for cribbage boards for whalers and Christian imagery for missionaries. The CIS kayak above is a classic example of the Historic Period (1770s –1940s); while adapting to European tastes and preferences, it authentically illustrate an aspect of Inuit traditional life.

Article written by Cranbrook Institute of Science volunteer Janet Beylin.