THE INUITS’ ANIMAL SKIN CLOTHES
In former times the Inuits only wore clothes made from animal hides or skins.
These clothes were warm and hardwearing, and if properly looked after could cope with the winter’s freezing temperatures in the Arctic region.
Both men and women’s clothes consisted of furs, trousers and boots, but the cut and choice of animal skin was different for each sex.
The skins were taken from animals that were killed and captured, and, depending on the species of the prey, were of very different weight, durability and appearance.
"In former times the Inuits only wore clothes made from animal hides or skins."
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CAREFULLY SELECTED SKIN
Men’s clothing was made so that they would neither freeze to death on their long hunting trips on the winter ice nor be soaked to the skin when hunting by kayak.
“A man is what his wife makes him” said the Inuits, because they knew that if they were to survive in the harsh Arctic winter, the skins used in their clothes had to be carefully chosen and perfectly sewn.
Being a skilled seamstress thus earned a woman a great deal of respect. If you could sew good kamiks, trousers and anoraks, then you were assured of a good existence. Today the traditional animal skin suits can be seen in most local museums.
