The Eskimo Tribe: Lifestyle and Survival in the Arctic Region

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Humans have inhabited the Earth for thousands of years. In the early stages of human civilization, nature largely dictated human activities. However, with the advancement of science and technology, humans learned to control various natural forces. Despite these developments, there are still many tribes whose lifestyles and activities are deeply influenced by their natural surroundings. When human societies align their way of life with nature, adapting to the forces of the environment, it is called environmental adaptation.

Even today, numerous examples of this adaptation can be seen around the world. People who live in accordance with their environment are primarily found in regions such as the equatorial belt, polar regions, tropical and temperate grasslands, mountainous areas like the Himalayas, and deserts. Some prominent examples include the Pygmies of Central Africa, the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert, the Eskimos of the Arctic, the Masai of the East African plateau, the Bedouins of Central Asia and Arabia, the Gonds of India, and the Gurjars of Himachal Pradesh. This article will focus on the Eskimo tribe.

Habitat of the Eskimo Tribe

The Eskimos inhabit the Tundra region, which spans approximately 5 million square kilometers around the Arctic Ocean. This area stretches from the Aleutian Islands to Alaska, Northern Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Finland), and parts of Northern Russia, extending to the Bering Strait.

Most Eskimos live between 68 to 70 degrees north latitude. They are referred to as Eskimos in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Northern Russia. In Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Finland), they are known as Lapps. In Northern Russia, they are known by various names such as Yakut, Yukaghir, Chukchi, and Samoyeds.

The term “Eskimo” means “raw meat eaters.” However, in 1977, during the Inuit Circumpolar Conference held in Barrow, Alaska, the name Inuit was adopted. The word “Inuit” translates to “the real people” or “unchanged people,” reflecting a more respectful term preferred by the community.

The Physical Environment of the Eskimo Region

Climate

Living near the North Pole, the Eskimos experience an extremely harsh climate. The land is covered with snow for the majority of the year, and precipitation, when it occurs, falls in the form of snow rather than rain. The region experiences nine months of winter and only three months of spring, summer, and autumn combined. Due to the prolonged winter, the annual average temperature remains well below freezing, sometimes dropping to -50 degrees Celsius during the coldest months.

The long winter brings continuous darkness, known as polar night, which lasts for several months. This harsh environment takes a toll on the Eskimos’ physical and mental health. The lack of sunlight and extreme cold often lead to brain disorders, insomnia, anemia, and even suicidal tendencies. Visitors to the region have remarked that it can be more bearable to endure temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius in calm weather than to face -30 degrees Celsius with strong, stormy winds.

Vegetation

In the short summer months, when the snow briefly melts, the land is covered with limited vegetation. Plants such as mosses, lichens, willows, birch, and alder appear. A variety of colorful flowers also bloom during this period, but the growth is minimal, given the harsh conditions.

Soil

The soil in the Tundra region is underdeveloped due to the constant cover of snow and the lack of vegetation. Bare rocks are common in the area, and in places where soil exists, it forms a thin layer that is not suitable for farming.

Wildlife

Despite the harsh conditions, the Tundra is home to several warm-blooded animals that have adapted to the cold environment. Common animals include reindeer, caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, muskrats, and polar foxes. The Arctic Ocean also supports a variety of marine life, including seals, walruses, and whales, all of which are essential to the Eskimo way of life.

Physical Characteristics of the Eskimo Tribe

Eskimos possess distinct physical features that have evolved as adaptations to their environment. They are typically 150 to 160 cm tall, with flat and broad faces. Their skin is yellowish, and they have dark brown eyes with slanted eyelids, a feature that helps protect their eyes from the intense glare of the snow. Their hair is coarse and black, and they have long heads, traits that are characteristic of the Mongoloid racial group.

Tools and Weapons of the Eskimo Tribe

The Eskimos are skilled hunters, and their primary weapon is the harpoon, a long weapon (about 4 to 5 feet in length) made from the bones of whales. Harpoons are primarily used to hunt marine animals like seals and whales. In addition to harpoons, they use knives, axes, bows, and arrows, all crafted from the bones of animals.

In earlier times, they used nets made from reindeer sinews to catch animals, but with increased contact with modern society, Eskimos have also started using more advanced tools like guns for hunting.

Diet of the Eskimo Tribe

The word “Eskimo” literally translates to “raw meat eaters,” and their diet is heavily carnivorous. They rely primarily on the meat of animals like seals, walruses, reindeer, and caribou. While they prefer to eat raw meat, they also prepare it by boiling, roasting, or drying the meat, depending on availability.

Due to the challenging environment, hunting is critical for the Eskimos’ survival. In times of food scarcity, they may go without eating for several days. In extreme situations, when food is scarce, they are known to resort to killing and eating their domestic animals, such as dogs or reindeer, to survive.

Clothes of the Eskimo Tribe

To protect themselves from the cold, the Eskimos make their clothing from the skins of animals such as seals, reindeer, caribou, and polar bears. They use animal bones as needles and sinews as thread for stitching their garments. Men’s clothing typically includes a jersey called timiyok, which is worn underneath an outer garment known as ornak. Both men and women wear fur-lined hats, and their shoes, called komik, are made from seal skin to provide warmth and insulation. Women’s clothing is known as omoat, and like the men’s garments, they are made to withstand the extreme Arctic cold.

Housing of the Eskimo Tribe

The housing of the Eskimos varies according to the season:

Summer Housing

During the summer, Eskimos live in tents made from seal skins. These tents, called Tsupiks or khemmo, are lightweight and ideal for the milder temperatures. However, these structures are not strong enough to withstand the severe winter snowstorms, so they are replaced by sturdier dwellings in colder months.

Winter Housing

In the winter, Eskimos reside in igloos, which are dome-shaped houses constructed from large blocks of ice. These ice blocks are cut using a bone knife and are stacked to form the walls and roof of the igloo. It takes about an hour and a half to build an igloo, which typically has a diameter of about 4 meters and a height of around 3 meters. The entrance is only half a meter high, requiring inhabitants to crawl or lie down to enter. The interior is lined with seal skins to provide insulation, and a fire fueled by animal fat keeps the igloo warm. A hole is left in the roof to allow ventilation, preventing the igloo from melting due to the heat inside.

Occupation of the Eskimo Tribe

The main occupations of the Eskimo tribe are hunting and trade. In the summer, they hunt animals, which provide them with food, clothing, and materials for shelter. In winter, they trade sables and other furs. Among hunting tribes, Eskimos are considered the most skilled. They hunt animals such as reindeer, caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, and seals.

Eskimo Hunting Methods

Eskimos use several methods to hunt seals and other animals, each suited to the season and environment.

Maupok Method

In the Maupok method, used during the winter, seals are hunted under the ice. Seals create breathing holes in the ice, which freeze over with a thin layer. Eskimo dogs locate these holes by scent. The hunters then place a bone rod in the hole and wait. When the seal comes to breathe, the hunter pierces its mouth with a harpoon, ensuring a clean and efficient kill.

Utok Method

In the Utok method, used in the spring, large groups of seals gather along the shore to bask in the sun. The Eskimo hunter, accompanied by his dogs, quietly approaches the group by lying down and sliding on the ice. Once close enough, he strikes with a harpoon, catching the seal by surprise.

Atuarpok Method

In the Atuarpok method, Eskimos use two holes in the ice. They place bait near one hole to lure the seal, while they wait at the second hole with a harpoon. When the seal takes the bait, the hunter strikes.

Besides seals, Eskimos also hunt birds like ducks and swans with light spears. They catch fish by placing nets in rivers or using bags to trap them.

Means of Transportation of the Eskimo Tribe

Eskimos use several means of transportation to navigate the Arctic landscape:

Sledge

A sledge is a wheelless vehicle made from whale bones or, where available, wood. It is used to travel over snow and is pulled by a team of 5-6 dogs. The strongest dogs are placed in the front, while weaker dogs are positioned closer to the sledge. This mode of transport is particularly useful during the winter when the ground is covered with snow.

Kayak

A kayak is a type of boat used by Eskimos during the summer for hunting in open waters. Made from whale bones or wood, it is typically about 6 meters long. The upper part of the kayak is covered with whale skin, leaving only an oval hole for the hunter to sit in. This small, nimble boat allows the Eskimos to navigate the Arctic waters and hunt marine animals like seals and whales.

Umiak

The Umiak is a large, wide boat covered with animal skins, primarily used by the Eskimos for whale hunting in Alaska and Greenland. Unlike the more commonly known kayak, which is a small, narrow vessel, the umiak is capable of carrying multiple people and significant amounts of cargo, making it ideal for transporting hunting parties and large catches.

The Umiak and Its Role in Eskimo Society

In Eskimo culture, the umiak plays a crucial role not only in whale hunting but also in transportation and social gatherings. Its sturdy construction allows it to navigate the frigid waters of the Arctic, and it is often considered a symbol of communal effort and survival in harsh environments. Traditionally, women rowed the umiak, while men took on the responsibility of hunting the whales.

Society and Culture of the Eskimo Tribe

The Eskimo society is patrilineal, meaning inheritance and social leadership are passed down through the male line. The eldest male in the family serves as the chief, a role that entails presiding over festivals, celebrations, and important family decisions related to housing and hunting. After a successful hunt, the game is presented to the chief, and his wife is responsible for dividing the catch among the families. 

The shaman is the most influential figure in Eskimo society, acting as both healer and spiritual leader. Despite living in a resource-scarce environment, Eskimos experience very few conflicts. Theft and robbery are almost non-existent in their society, though crimes like witchcraft, adultery, and murder are not uncommon.

Unique Ritual of Elder Suicide

In times of food scarcity or when resources are limited, the eldest members of Eskimo society often take a unique and extreme step to reduce the burden on their family. To preserve food for the younger members, the eldest person quietly leaves their igloo while others are asleep. They walk barefoot on the snow until they are too weak to continue, eventually succumbing to exposure in an unknown location. This method of suicide, though harsh, is seen as an honorable way to protect the family, as it reduces competition for limited resources in an environment where survival is often a challenge. Due to the extreme cold, which is well below freezing, death occurs swiftly.

Cultural Beliefs and Practices of the Eskimos

Culturally, the Eskimos are considered somewhat backward in terms of hygiene, as they often do not bathe throughout their entire lives and only change clothes once they are torn. Their beliefs are deeply rooted in animism, particularly a strong belief in ghosts. The Eskimos worship a goddess named Sedna (sometimes referred to as Vedna), who they believe resides at the bottom of the sea and controls the animals. Angering Sedna is thought to bring misfortune, as she governs the availability of the very animals they rely on for survival.

Test Your Knowledge with MCQs

1.What is the primary meaning of the term “Eskimo”?

A. People of the Snow

B. Raw Meat Eaters

C. Northern Dwellers

D. Hunters of the Sea

2. Which region do the Eskimos primarily inhabit?

A. Sahara Desert

B. Amazon Rainforest

C. Tundra

D. Savanna

3. What is the traditional winter dwelling of the Eskimos called?

A. Tepee

B. Yurt

C. Igloo

D. Hogan

4. What is the main material used to build an igloo?

A. Snow

B. Ice

C. Wood

D. Stone

5. What is the primary weapon used by Eskimos for hunting?

A. Bow and Arrow

B. Harpoon

C. Rifle

D. Spear

6. Which animal plays a crucial role in the Eskimo diet and lifestyle?

A. Reindeer

B. Seal

C. Polar Bear

D. Walrus

7. What type of boat do Eskimos use for hunting in open waters?

A. Kayak

B. Canoe

C. Umiak

D. Raft

8. What is the traditional social structure of the Eskimo tribe?

A. Matriarchal

B. Patrilineal

C. Egalitarian

D. Communal

9. What is the spiritual leader of the Eskimo community called?

A. Shaman

B. Chief

C. Elder

D. Priest

10. Which cultural belief is deeply ingrained in Eskimo society?

A. Christianity

B. Buddhism

C. Animism

D. Hinduism

Answers:

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. A
8. B
9. A
10. C

FAQs

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