Mumirluu? (Would you like to dance with me?)
The Inuit have been able to preserve their cultural identity through many ways including through the practice of cultural song and dance. Women perform ‘the katajjait’ (throat singing) by they stand facing each other in pairs (Nattiez, 2006). Singers tell stories through these songs, often using words that have since lost their meaning and/or mimicking sounds from nature. The katajjait might be performed on special occasion, like during the summer solstice, or when men are away hunting.
The beating of the drum is a signal of gathering among the Inuit. During a drum dance, singers gather by sitting in a circle while dancers twirl to the beat of the drum. Traditionally, drums were made by stretching dampened walrus skin over frame made of narwhal tendon or wood (Freeman, 2007).
Today, synthetic materials are also used in their fabrication
Carving and Prints
Both carving of soapstone and printmaking has been used in Inuit communities since prehistoric times (Roed & Barz, 2008). Evidence of carving has been seen more consistently from the Inuit as materials like wood ivory and bone are more readily acquires than those used for printmaking. The later materials were brought much later by explorers and settlers.
Traditionally, Inuit art would be inspired by legends, myths, creatures and spirits (Roed & Barz, 2008). While artist wouldn’t typically represent pure landscapes in their art, both marine and terrestrial animals were often featured in their creations. This exemplifies the interconnected relationship between arctic wildlife and the Inuit.