Qamutiik facts for kids
A qamutiik (pronounced ka-moo-teek) is a special type of sled used by the Inuit people. It is built to travel easily over snow and ice. These sleds are designed using old Inuit methods and are perfect for the icy Arctic environment. Even today, in the 21st century, qamutiit (the plural of qamutiik) are still very common for getting around in Arctic areas.
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How Qamutiit Are Built
What makes a qamutiik special is how it's put together. Unlike many other sleds, it doesn't use nails or pins. Instead, each part is drilled and tied tightly to the next piece. This way of building makes the sled very flexible. It can handle rough trips over frozen land, sea ice, and even big chunks of ice floes without breaking apart.
The cross pieces that connect the two main runners are called napooks. Each napook has a small notch near its ends. A rope is passed through this notch and through holes drilled in the runners. This ties the napook firmly in place.
The first and last napooks are tied on their own with a strong knot using two holes in the runners. For the napooks in the middle, there is only one hole in the runner for each. All the middle napooks are tied with one long rope along each side. This lashing method creates a knot that locks itself into place. Today, napooks are often made from strong woods like oak or walnut.
Runners: From Fish to Wood
Long ago, in places where there wasn't much wood, Inuit people used frozen fish wrapped in animal skins as sled runners. To make them slide better, they would put Moss and ice on the bottom. These were called pilraaq.
Today, wooden runners are used everywhere. They are usually made from spruce wood or plywood. Often, a layer of polyurethane or nylon is added to the bottom. This helps the sled slide more easily and reduces friction.
In the 1800s and early 1900s, British and American explorers tried to use their own sleds. But the rough sea ice caused their sleds to shake so much that the nails would fall out. Their sleds often broke apart after only a few miles. Because of this, they soon started using sleds built in the Inuit style.
What Qamutiit Are Used For
Qamutiit are used for many different kinds of trips in the Arctic. Families might use them for a fun afternoon of sledding. Hunters use them for long trips that can last many days and cover hundreds of miles.
Most qamutiit have space for things like fuel cans, a camp stove, and a food box. These items are placed where they are easy to reach. This allows for quick stops to have tea and food. Other gear and personal items are tied securely to the sled.
People can ride on top of the load, holding onto the ropes that tie everything down. Newer qamutiit sometimes have a "box" tied to the sled. This box can be more comfortable for passengers. It might even have a small windbreak or a canvas cover to protect riders from the weather.
How to Pack a Qamutiik
Packing and tying down a sled is a skill. Heavy items must be placed low on the sled. This helps prevent the sled from tipping over. People use clever ways and materials to keep passengers safe. Hunters also build smaller, sleeker versions of qamutiit for fast day trips.
Traditionally, dog teams pulled qamutiit. People can also pull them themselves. Since the late 1900s, snowmobiles are often used to pull qamutiit. The size of a qamutiik can change depending on what it's used for and what materials are available.
