PREPARATIONS FOR THE HUNT

To the hunters upholding good relations with the souls of the game animals was of great importance. They did so by observing taboos, rites and other customs.

Using magic amulets and symbols they  sought to ensure good fortune in the hunt and to counteract all sorts of bad luck.

An amulet is an object which protects against illness, accident, dangers and witchcraft. It may also bring luck.

An amulet can be a feather, bones or stone.

• What special qualities do amulets have? 

• Take a close look at the picture. What kind of bird is it?

• A pigeon is a symbol of peace. Do you know any other symbols?

The Inuit said that women caught the animals, and men hunted them.

The woman, too, should observe taboos and rituals in order for her husband to have luck in hunting. That was necessary so that the game animals would not be scared away.

The woman also had to be good at sewing clothes. They should be both warm and beautiful to attract the animals.

• Why should the women observe taboos and rituals? 

• What is the dress in the picture made of, and with what is it decorated? Find help at p. 59 in the book.

• What is the idea of the decoration on the jacket? 

Inuit were dependent on the powers and forces of nature. To the hunters upholding good relations with the souls of the game animals was of great importance. They did so by observing taboos, rites and other customs.

Using magic amulets and symbols they  sought to ensure good fortune in the hunt and to counteract all sorts of bad luck.

An amulet is an object which protects against illness, accident, dangers and witchcraft. It may also bring luck.

An amulet can be a feather, bones or stone. A walrus claw contains some of the walrus’s inua, and in this way the power and qualities of the walrus are transferred to the person who carries the claw sewn onto their clothes.

• Take a good look at the picture. It is an amulet of a bird. Which bird is it? What qualities might it transfer to its owner?

• A pigeon is a symbol of peace. Do you know any other symbols?

The Inuit said that women caught the animals, and men hunted them.

The woman, too, should observe taboos and rituals in order for her husband to have luck in hunting. She was the one who could attract the game animals with her respect for the precepts.

The woman also had to be good at sewing clothes. They should be both warm and beautiful to attract the animals.

A woman’s skill at sewing was therefore a decisive factor for her role in the community

• What was the significance of women in relation to hunting?

• The picture shows a man’s dress. What is it made of, and with what is it decorated? Find help at p. 59 in the book.

• What did a woman’s dress look like? 

This is an amulet of a falcon. Amulets are used to protect the owner against illness, accidents, dangers or witchcraft.

They may also bring luck. 

You can wear the amulet on you or place it in the house or on board the kayak.

• How did the hunters maintain good relations with the souls of the game animals?

• What can an amulet be made of?

• Which animal has been made to an amulet at page 57?

The women in the settlement played an important role in relation to hunting.

It was said that the woman caught the animals, and the husband hunted them.

• How could the woman allure the game animals?

• Why was a woman’s skill at sewing decisive for her role in the community?

• What is the coat in the picture made of? (p. 59 in the book)

This is an amulet of a falcon. Amulets are used to protect the owner against illness, accidents, dangers or witchcraft.

They may also bring luck. 

You can wear the amulet on you or place it in the house or on board the kayak.

• Why was it important to maintain good relations with the souls of the game animals?

• What can an amulet be made of?

• What did an amulet protect against?

The women in the settlement played an important role in relation to hunting.

It was said that the woman caught the animals, and the husband hunted them.

• How could the woman allure the game animals?

• The woman’s skill at sewing was decisive for her role in the community. Are there skills today that are decisive for our roles in the community?

• How could beautifully ornamented clothing attract the animals?