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Bill Hillman's 
EduTech Research Project
Presents
John Tyman's
INUIT ~ People of the Arctic
Unit III: INUIT: CLOTHING AND SHELTER
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Part 3: Snow Houses
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 51. Houses made of snow provided well-insulated accomodation
for nomadic families but today are used only
as overnight accomodation for hunters. 
Carpenter's saws, being longer than knives, speed up construction.
52. The blocks are arranged in a spiral. 
The hunter has replaced his caribou parka 
with a padded jacket to avoid sweating.
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53. Blocks are shaped using a snow knife. 
Each leans precariously against the previous one until...
 

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54. The last block (equivalent to keystone of an arch) 
is fitted into place.This is an interior view of the ceiling..
What keeps the occupants warm is the network of air holes, 
millions of them, between the snow flakes in each block 
-- rather like a down jacket
 55. In the old days iglus had tunnels 
at the entrance to keep out the wind. 
For short stays now the doorway is 
simply closed with a block of snow.
56. A shortwave radio inside the entrance is 
used to keep in touch with town; and ....

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 57. The Coleman "Esky" is used to keep our thermos flask from freezing. 
The lamp provides heat as well as light (sometimes too much!)
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58. Half the floor space was traditionally used for sleeping. 
Our sleeping bags were arranged on animal skins. 
The candle provided light during construction..
59. Both the lamp and the stove used petroleum spirit.

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60. The thermos was made of steel 
to withstand travel at speed over bumpy ice. 
The bread roll (actually bannock) was brought from home.
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Alternative Winter Accomodation for Hunters
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 61. Some men today use tents even in winter 
(purchased from the Hudson's Bay Company).
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62. And wooded shacks have been built by the 
Hunters and Trappers Association at strategic points:
but both tents and huts are cold compared with a snow house..

BACK TO INUIT CONTENTS PAGE:
Dr. John Tyman
PHOTOS & RECORDINGS
I. Environment:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
II. Food Sources: 
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
III: Clothing/Shelter:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
IV. Family: 
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
V. Community:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
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Text, photos and recordings by John Tyman
Intended for Educational Use Only.
Copyright Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford University, 2008.
Contact Dr. John Tyman for more information regarding licensing.

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