Fienup-Riordan, Ann (1998). "Yup'ik Elders in Museums: Fieldwork Turned on Its Head". Arctic Anthropology. 35 (2): 49–58. ISSN 0066-6939. JSTOR 40316487. Issenman, Betty Kobayashi; Rankin, Catherine (1988a). "Inuit Clothing and its Construction". McCord Museum. Archived from the original on 8 November 2021 . Retrieved 11 July 2020. The Eskimo Blanket has extra-large arms and sleeves measuring to a total of 34.5” (87.5cm) long and 28” (71cm) diameter.

To ensure the survival of the family unit and the community as a whole, garments had to be sewn well and properly maintained. Heat loss from poorly constructed clothing reduced the wearer's ability to perform essential tasks in camp and on the hunt and limited their ability to travel. [131] It could also lead to negative health outcomes including illness, hypothermia, or frostbite, which in extreme cases can result in loss of limbs and eventually death. [79] [131] [132] For this reason, most garments, especially boots, were constructed from as few pieces as possible to minimize the number of seams, which in turn minimized heat loss. [90] [91] Station Results – 1971–2000 Climate Normals and Averages". Environment Canada. 1 June 2021 . Retrieved 29 July 2021. Children's clothing was similar in function to adult clothing, but typically made of softer materials like caribou fawn, fox skin, or rabbit. Once children were old enough to walk, they would wear a one-piece suit called an atajuq, similar in form to a modern blanket sleeper. This garment had attached feet and often mittens as well, and unlike an adult's trousers, it opened at the crotch to allow the child to relieve themselves. [69] [71] Many of these suits had detached caps, which could be tied down with fringe to prevent them from getting lost. [72] The hood shape and position of decorative flourishes on these suits differentiated between genders. [69] Taylor, Juanita (14 February 2021). " 'Sewing is Therapy': Why This Nunavut Mom Sews Clothes for Her Kids". CBC News . Retrieved 20 April 2022.Specific rituals existed to placate the spirits of polar bears, which were seen as particularly powerful animals. It was believed that the spirits of polar bears remained within the skin after death for several days. When these skins were hung up to dry, desirable tools were hung around them. When the bear's spirit departed, it took the spirits of the tools with it and used them in the afterlife. [170]

Rholem, Karim (2001). Uvattinnit: The People of the Far North. Montréal: Stanké. ISBN 2-7604-0794-2. OCLC 46617134. Oakes, Jill E. (1987). Factors Influencing Kamik Production in Arctic Bay, Northwest Territories. Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Civilization. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022 . Retrieved 1 April 2021. Humidity control: Perspiration eventually leads to the accumulation of moisture in closed garments, which must be managed for the comfort and safety of the wearer. [12] [185] The carefully tailored layers of traditional clothing allowed fresh air to circulate through the outfit during physical exertion, removing air that was saturated with perspiration and keeping both the garments and the body dry. [87] As well, animal skin is relatively porous and allows some moisture to evaporate. [45] When temperatures are low enough for moisture in the air to freeze, it accumulates on the surface of fur as frost crystals that can be brushed or beaten away. Fur ruffs on hoods collect moisture from breath; when it freezes it can be brushed away with one hand. [178] For footwear, animal skin provides greater condensation control than nonporous materials like rubber or plastic, as it allows moisture to escape, keeping the feet drier and warmer for longer. [45] In comparison to skin and fur, woven fibres like wool absorb moisture and hold it against the body; in freezing temperatures, this causes discomfort, limited movement, and eventually, life-threatening heat loss. [12] [23] [185] Through socialization and trade, Inuit groups throughout their history disseminated clothing designs, materials, and styles between themselves. There is evidence indicating that prehistoric and historic Inuit gathered in large trade fairs to exchange materials and finished goods; the trade network that supported these fairs extended across some 3,000km (1,900mi) of Arctic territory. [92] They also encountered and incorporated concepts and materials from other indigenous Arctic peoples such as the Chukchi, Koryak, and Yupik peoples of Siberia and the Russian Far East, the Sámi people of Scandinavia, as well as non-Inuit North American indigenous groups. [93] [94] [95] Caribou and seal [ edit ] Prepared ringed seal hide, German Federal Fur School [ de] It doesn’t only look great, but a fur-trimmed hood also has the added virtue of actually working to keep you warm.In the Arctic spring and summer, intense sunlight reflecting off the snowy ground can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. In response, Inuit developed ilgaak or snow goggles, a type of eyewear which cuts down on glare but preserves the field of view. [65] [66] Ilgaak are traditionally made of bone or driftwood, carved in a curve to fit the face. Narrow horizontal slits permit only a small amount of light to enter. [67] Children's clothing [ edit ] Child's combination suit, Caribou Inuit, collected by 1924

You won’t be afraid of the cold inside or out, it is the extra cosy layer of warmth you have always dreamed of. The spiritual, personal and social text stitched into footwear designs are difficult or impossible to understand from objects removed from their makers or wearers. The concept of Inuit clothing encompasses the traditional wear of a geographically broad range of Inuit cultures from Alaska to Greenland. For the sake of consistency, this article uses Canadian Inuktitut terminology, unless otherwise noted.Using modern man-made heat retaining fabrics and some extra key features we’ve made this unbelievably warm over-sized hoodie blanket that’s useable anywhere! As children aged, they gradually transitioned into more adult-like garments. Older children wore outfits with separate parkas and trousers, although boots were generally sewn directly to the trousers. [73] [74] Amautis for female children often had small amaut, and they sometimes carried younger siblings in them to assist their mother. [75] [76] Clothing for girls and boys changed at puberty; in eastern Greenland, for example, both received naatsit, or under-breeches, to mark the transition. [7] In general, when girls reached puberty, amauti tails were made longer, and the hood and amaut were enlarged to indicate fertility. [27] Hairstyles for pubescent girls also changed to indicate their new status. [7] [77] Materials [ edit ] Prepared caribou hide, Scandinavia

The modern hooded overcoat known generically as a parka or anorak in English is descended from the Inuit garment. [32] The terms parka and anorak were adopted into English as loanwords from Aleut and Greenlandic, respectively. [33] Trousers and leggings [ edit ] Boy's trousers made from ringed seal, National Museum of Denmark, collected 1989 Petersen, Robert (2003). Settlements, Kinship and Hunting Grounds in Traditional Greenland. Copenhagen: Danish Polar Center. ISBN 978-87-635-1261-9. Buijs, Cunera. "Clothing as a Visual Representation of Identities in East Greenland". In King, Pauksztat & Storrie (2005), pp.108–114. Waterproofing: Making garments waterproof was a major concern for Inuit, especially during the wetter weather of summer. The skin of marine mammals like seals sheds water naturally, but is lightweight and breathable, making it extremely useful for this kind of clothing. Before artificial waterproof materials became available, seal or walrus intestine was commonly used to make raincoats and other wet-weather gear. Skilful sewing using sinews allowed the creation of waterproof seams, particularly useful for footwear. [186]

Cotel, Aline J.; Golingo, Raymond; etal. (2004). "Effect of Ancient Inuit Fur Parka Ruffs on Facial Heat Transfer". Climate Research. 26 (1): 77–84. Bibcode: 2004ClRes..26...77C. doi: 10.3354/cr026077. ISSN 0936-577X. JSTOR 24868710. Cresswell, Julia (22 July 2021). Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-263937-0. The problem with a blanket is freedom of movement and there is always a cold spot unless you completely wrap yourself up.