A Photo Album of Inuit Experience
at the Turn of the Last Century

This Inuit woman is carrying her baby on her back, the traditional Inuit way to carry a baby. The hoods of women's parkas were made extra large to fit an infant if needed.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Photograph by Lomen Bros., 1906
inuit children

These three little Inuit girls are each carrying a puppy. Dogs were, and continue to be an important part of Inuit life. For example, dogs provided the energy and strength to move sleds across the snow and ice. These little puppies may have grown up to pull a sled!

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Photograph by Frank H. Nowell, Nome, 1904

Nine Inuit pose for a photographer in 1913.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Photograph by Northern Ventures Ltd., New York, 1913

inuit man

This portrait of an Inuit man wearing a fur jacket with hood was most likely taken at the beginning of the 20th century. Traditional Inuit clothing is made from animal skins. Large thick warm coats with big hoods called parkas are worn as an outer layer.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Photograph by Cann Studio, Inc., Fairbanks, Alaska

This family picture was taken about 100 years ago. (It appears that the child in the front does not want his picture taken!)

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Photograph by Frank E. Kleinschmidt
siberia school Here's the 1897 class picture from the Inuit school in South Head, Siberia.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Photograph by F.D. Fujiwara

Housing
build igloo

This picture shows several Inuit constructing an igloo with blocks of snow. Traditionally, Inuit lived in igloos during the coldest months and tent like huts during the warmer months.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Photograph by Frank E. Kleinschmidt

Here are homes of Inuit living in Indian Point, Siberia in 1897.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Photograph by F.D. Fujiwara
This photograph, from around 1899, shows an Inuit summer hut. It is made of animal skins stretched over a frame. Traditionally, Inuit lived in huts like these during the warmer summer months.

Traditions

Two Inuit women are taking Mrs. Kleinschmidt, the photographer's wife, on a hunting expedition. All three women are wearing traditional dress. The women on the left is in a kayak. The Inuit invented kayaks and used them to hunt for marine life like seals.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Photograph by Frank E. Kleinschmidt

These Alaskan Inuit men are dancers called Kaviagamute. They are performing the Wolf Dance. Today, many Inuit communities continue the tradition of Inuit dancing.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, Lomen Bros., photographer, 1914

This man in Alaska is carving ivory, an Inuit tradition.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs, H.G. Kaiser, Nome, Alaska, 1912

Earth's Polar Regions

Arctic Cultures

Last modified June 5, 2007 by Lisa Gardiner.

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