Qilaut facts for kids

Drummers at a dance near Nome in 1900.

The qilaut (say "kee-LAU-oot") is a special type of drum used by the Inuit people in the cold Arctic regions. It's also sometimes called a qilaat in Greenland. This drum is very important in Inuit culture and has a unique sound and look.

What Makes a Qilaut Special?

The qilaut is a kind of frame drum. This means it's made by stretching animal skin over a round frame, a bit like a large tambourine without the jingles. But the qilaut has some special features that make it different from other drums:

• Handle: It has a handle, which makes it easy for the drummer to hold and move.
• Caribou Skin: The drumhead is usually made from caribou skin. Caribou are a type of reindeer found in the Arctic. This skin isn't very "resonant," meaning it doesn't vibrate a lot to make a loud, ringing sound. Instead, it gives the drum a deep, rumbling sound.
• The Qatuk: The drum is played by hitting it with a stick called a qatuk.

The Inuit and Their Music

The Inuit are the Indigenous people who live in the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Music and drumming are a very important part of their traditions and way of life. The qilaut is more than just a musical instrument; it's a tool for storytelling, dancing, and connecting with their history and beliefs.

Playing the Qilaut

When someone plays the qilaut, they usually hold the handle and hit the edge of the drum with the qatuk stick. This creates the unique, rumbling sound. Drummers often move the drum in a circular motion while playing, which adds to the rhythm and the visual performance.

More Than Just a Drum

For the Inuit, the qilaut has been used for hundreds of years in many different ways:

• Dances: It's a key part of traditional Inuit dances, helping to set the rhythm and energy.
• Storytelling: Drummers often use the qilaut to accompany songs that tell stories about their history, hunting, and daily life.
• Ceremonies: In the past, the qilaut was also used in spiritual ceremonies and gatherings.

The qilaut is a powerful symbol of Inuit culture and their strong connection to the Arctic environment.