Parka (Atigi)
To cover his torso, an Inuit wears a parka, which is a thick jacket is trimmed with outward-facing fur. Some Inuit also wear another fur jacket underneath their parka. Referred to as an atigi, this second jacket is lined with fur that faces inwards. The parka's hood is trimmed with a layer of wolf or wolverine fur, whose sleek hairs ensure that water and ice are easily removed by shaking the hood. In addition, this fur trim helps keep the wind away from the face. Most clothes are still home-made, from the skins of animals killed for food, The fringe at the bottom keeps the wind out.
Packing Parka (Amaut)
The pouch for the baby is termed an amaut and the parka an amautik or,
in English, a packing parka -- since it is used to pack/carry around a child.
in English, a packing parka -- since it is used to pack/carry around a child.
Children
Children sometimes are still dressed in caribou skin in early spring, with hoods trimmed with wolf fur to keep the wind from their cheeks. More often, though, they dress today in ready-made store-bought goods, peeling off layers as the weather warms up.
Leggings
The Inuit wear knee-length pants crafted from polar bear or caribou skin, which they tuck into their boots in order to seal out the cold. The pants have two layers in order to keep heat close to the body. Both children's and adult's trousers often have elastic suspenders to help the pants stay on. In extreme temperatures, the Inuit sometimes wear sealskin leggings underneath the double-layered pants.
Boots (Kamiks)
The most typical form of footwear for the Inuit people are homemade boots made of caribou fur, which end at the calf or the knee. Inuits wear two layers of liner-like fur stockings under the boots in very cold temperatures. The Inuit also often wear an additional boot that resembles an overshoe. Referred to as a kamik, this second boot is made of sealskin in order to provide additional protection from moisture when performing tasks such as sea hunting.
Softening the Kamiks
Boots which have been in storage tend to stiffen and need to be softened up
at the start of a new season, and restored to their proper shape. This is still sometimes done by chewing, but ...They can also be stretched using bone and metal scrapers
at the start of a new season, and restored to their proper shape. This is still sometimes done by chewing, but ...They can also be stretched using bone and metal scrapers
Moccasins
Inside the home, the Inuit wear homemade moccasins made from pieces of tanned animal leather stitched together with animal sinew. For added warmth, some moccasins are lined with rabbit fur or sheepskin. Staying true to Inuit tradition and ritual, children learn from their parents how to make these slipper-like shoes, which are embellished with beading, quills or colorful hand-painted designs. As a result of their beauty and practicality, moccasins have become a part of mainstream fashion in addition to the Inuit culture.
Mittens (Pualuk)
Hands are protected by thick mitts/mittens with long cuffs to overlap the sleeves of the parka. Sheepskin is commonly used today; sometimes husky fur (which is similarly thick and warm). Often the mittens have two thumb holes in order to help move easier and provide a dry place when one hole gets wet.
Assignment
Now that you know what an Inuit person wears, make your own display of what they wear. Make labels to tell what each item is.
Pack Your Suitcase
Pack your suitcase for a trip to Nunavut in February. What will you pack to keep warm?