Inuit throat singing facts for kids

Traditional throat singers

Inuit throat singing, also known as katajjaq (Inuktitut syllabics: ᑲᑕᔾᔭᖅ), is a unique type of throat singing. It is found only among the Inuit people. Traditionally, two women sing together, very close to each other. They do not use musical instruments. It is often like a fun contest to see who can sing the longest. However, some artists, like Tanya Tagaq, perform it alone. Many groups now mix traditional throat singing with modern music. These include Tudjaat, The Jerry Cans, Quantum Tangle, and Silla + Rise. They blend it with pop, folk, rock, and dance music.

A similar singing style, called rekuhkara, was once practiced by the Ainu in Japan.

Names for Inuit Throat Singing

The name for throat singing changes depending on where you are in Canada.

• Iirngaaq – used in some Nunavut communities.
• Piqqusiraarniq or Pirkusirtuk – used in Igloolik and on Baffin Island.
• Qiarvaaqtuq – used in Arviat.
• Katajjaq or Katadjak – used in Nunavik and South Baffin.
• Nipaquhiit – used in some other Nunavut communities.

History of Katajjaq

Originally, katajjaq was a way for Inuit women to have fun. They would sing while the men were away hunting. It was seen more as a vocal game or breathing game. It was not really considered a form of music. The sounds of katajjiniq can sound like rhythmic panting. Inuit throat singing can also copy sounds from nature. These include wind, water, and animal sounds. It can also imitate other everyday sounds.

This playful practice shows a long history of oral traditions. These traditions belong to the women of Nunavik. Nunavik is a territory in northern Quebec. For many generations, Inuit have shared their knowledge of nature. They have also passed down the skills for their throat games. Katajjaniq has very special and unique ways of expressing itself.

Today, Inuit throat games are not performed to bring hunters back. They are also not used to attract animals or control nature. But they still have some of their original purposes. These include entertainment and bringing groups together. Katajjaniq is very much alive in Quebec's Inuit communities. It is still a big part of Nunavik life. It is present at holidays, cultural events, and important political gatherings. Katajjaniq is a source of great pride. It is also a strong symbol of Inuit identity. The Inuit recognize katajjaniq as part of their cultural heritage.

How Inuit Throat Singing is Performed

Two women usually stand facing each other. They often hold each other's arms. Sometimes, they might make small dance movements while singing. For example, they might sway from side to side.

One singer starts by making a short rhythmic sound pattern. She repeats this pattern, leaving small quiet spaces. The other singer then fills these gaps with her own rhythmic pattern. The sounds can be made by breathing in or breathing out. They can be voiced sounds or unvoiced sounds.

The game ends when one singer runs out of breath. Or, she might not be able to keep up with the other singer. She will then start to laugh or simply stop. The winner is the singer who can outlast the most people. A performance usually lasts between one and three minutes.

In the past, the women's lips almost touched. This allowed one singer to use the other's mouth as a sound chamber. This is less common today. Often, the singing is joined by a shuffling movement of the feet. The sounds can be real words or just nonsense syllables. They can also be created during breathing out.

Famous Performers

Some well-known performers include Tanya Tagaq. She sings in a modern style. The Jerry Cans also include throat singing in their music. Band member Nancy Mike adds it as a musical and rhythmic part of their folk rock sound.

Traditional performers include Qaunak Mikkigak and Kathleen Ivaluarjuk Merritt. Also, Alacie Tullaugaq and Lucy Amarualik perform in the Katajjaq style.

Inuit Throat Singing in Popular Culture

Inuit throat singing has appeared in many movies, TV shows, and songs:

• The 1990 opera Tornrak by John Metcalf features throat singing.
• The 1974 film The White Dawn shows a scene of Inuit throat singing.
• The 2003 film The Snow Walker also has a scene with Inuit throat singing.
• The band Talking Heads mentioned "sing into my mouth" in their song "This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)". This was inspired by a photo of Inuit women singing.
• The 2001 film Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner) includes a throat singing scene.
• In The Simpsons Movie (2007), Homer Simpson tries throat singing with an Inuit woman.
• The 2007 film Wristcutters: A Love Story has a character named Nanuk who practices throat singing.
• The 2017 film Thoroughbreds uses music by Tanya Tagaq.
• Rick Mercer tried throat singing with an Inuit woman on his show Rick Mercer Report. This happened when he visited the 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife.
• Icelandic musician Björk featured Tanya Tagaq on her 2004 album Medúlla.
• The 2012 CBC TV show Arctic Air has a theme song by Tanya Tagaq. It mixes traditional Inuit throat singing with a modern dance beat.
• A challenge in the first season of The Amazing Race Canada involved listening to Inuit throat singing.
• Tanya Tagaq won the 2014 Polaris Music Prize for her album Animism.
• The Inuktitut children's show Anaana's Tent has featured throat singing by Celina Kalluk. This helps teach about Inuit traditions.
• In 2015, two eleven-year-old Inuit girls, Samantha Metcalfe and Cailyn Degrandpre, performed throat singing. This was at the swearing-in ceremony for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• In 2019, Eva Kaukai and Manon Chamberland showed their short film Throat Singing in Kangirsuk (Katatjatuuk Kangirsumi) at the Sundance Film Festival.
• In 2020, Caroline Novalinga and her daughter Shina Novalinga became famous for their throat singing videos on TikTok. They released an album together in 2021.

Cultural Recognition

In 2014, Nunavik throat singing (katajjaniq) received a special honor. It became the first cultural item to be named an intangible cultural heritage. This was done by the government of Quebec, Canada. This means it is recognized as an important living tradition.

See also

In Spanish: Katajjaq para niños

• Tuvan throat singing
• Throat singing