How the Eskimos Built Kayaks

Kayaks originally served as a survival tool for Eskimos.

Eskimos, who introduced kayaks to the world, used them for hunting in their inhospitable Arctic habitats. Built to transport only a single passenger, kayaks helped the Eskimos hunt prey, such as fish, whales and seals. They used their catch for food, and used the animals’ body parts for clothing and to make tools. Boat builders have introduced modern versions of the Eskimo kayak.

Materials

Eskimos built kayaks using whatever resources they could find in their native environments. The materials that went into these light boats included wood, such as driftwood and Arctic willow, for the frame. Caribou skin and sealskin served as a cover for the kayak.

Frame

The kayak consists of a wooden frame that the Eskimos held together with cords made of sealskin or sinew. This made for a tough finish, even though the kayak looked fragile. The Eskimos covered the finished kayak frame with waterproof animal skin. The kayak’s frame could flex in the water and the skin helped it withstand waves.

Design

Kayaks had some variation in design, depending on the conditions in the locality they were to be used in, as well as the animals the Eskimos wanted to hunt. The most typical kayak design is a long and narrow shape, with the frame covered by animal skin.

Newer Kayaks

Modern kayaks were originally made of wood and plywood. Boat builders later used fiberglass and plastic. Folding kayaks have also come to the market. The kayak frames are assembled and then inserted into waterproof skin so that the kayak can be folded. Folding kayaks are convenient to use since they can be repaired while in the field.

References

• Arctic Voice: The Inuit
• Canada’s First Peoples: The Inuit

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish