Inuit weapons facts for kids

The Inuit people, who live in the cold Arctic regions, were very skilled at surviving in a harsh environment. They developed many clever tools for hunting animals like seals, whales, and caribou. These tools were mostly for hunting, but they could also be used as weapons if needed. Sometimes, they were used for protection against other groups, like the Chipewyan, Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib), Dene, and Cree peoples.

Six Inuit bows displayed at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver

Clever Hunting Tools and Weapons

The Inuit created many different tools that helped them hunt and survive. Many of these tools could also be used for protection.

Bows and Arrows

Bows were important for hunting animals from a distance. Inuit bows were special because some were cable-backed bows. This means they had extra cords wrapped around them. These cords made the bow stronger and more powerful. This was very helpful in the cold Arctic, where wood could be scarce or brittle.

Harpoons and Spears

Harpoons and spears were essential for hunting large animals, especially those in the water.

• War harpoon: This was a strong spear-like weapon used for fighting.
• Throwing spear: This was a spear designed to be thrown. Sometimes, a special tool called a spear-thrower (or atlatl) was used to throw it farther and with more force.
• Toggling harpoon: This was a very clever harpoon. Its head would turn sideways or "toggle" inside the animal after it hit. This made it much harder for the animal to escape, helping hunters catch their prey.
• Kakivak: This was a type of fishing spear. It often had three prongs, making it easier to catch fish.

Other Useful Tools

The Inuit also had many other tools that were important for daily life and could be used for defense.

• War club: A simple, heavy club used for close-range fighting.
• Bolas: These were throwing weapons made of weights connected by cords. They were thrown to entangle the legs of animals, making them easier to catch.
• Ulu: This is a traditional Inuit knife, usually shaped like a half-moon. It was mainly used by women for skinning animals, cutting meat, and preparing food. It could also be used for other tasks.
• Snow knife: This knife was used to cut blocks of snow to build igloos or other snow shelters. It was a vital tool for survival in the Arctic.
• Inuit axe: A tool similar to an axe, used for chopping and other heavy tasks.
• Inuit Crossbow: While not as common as bows, some Inuit groups also used crossbows. These weapons could shoot arrows with great force.