First Contact with Europeans (1818)
For centuries, the Inughuit remained isolated from the outside world, believing they were the only people on Earth. Their environment—harsh, frozen, and seemingly endless—reinforced this belief, as there were no signs of other human populations within their reach. This worldview remained unchallenged until 1818, when British explorers arrived in their remote homeland.
The first recorded European contact with the Inughuit was made by Sir John Ross, a British naval officer and Arctic explorer. Ross was leading an expedition in search of the Northwest Passage, a maritime route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic. On this voyage, he sailed into what is now known as Inglefield Gulf in northern Greenland.
As Ross and his crew neared the coast, they spotted signs of habitation—smoke from fires, footprints in the snow, and eventually, figures moving along the shore. The Inughuit, having never seen outsiders before, were understandably both curious and apprehensive. Their first interactions were marked by astonishment and hesitation.
Ross described them in his expedition journal, referring to them as the “Arctic Highlanders” due to their rugged, mountainous surroundings. The Inughuit had never seen metal, cloth, or ships, and they marveled at the explorers’ equipment. They were particularly intrigued by mirrors and the Europeans’ ability to produce fire instantly with matches.
How Did the Encounter Unfold?
Ross and his crew landed on the coast and cautiously approached the Inughuit. Initial communication was difficult, as the Inughuit spoke a dialect of Inuit that was unknown to the explorers. However, through gestures and demonstrations, they exchanged basic information. The Inughuit were amazed by the Europeans’ clothing, beards, and large wooden ships. In return, the British marveled at the Inughuit’s sophisticated kayaks, sleds, and hunting tools made from bone and stone.
The most striking moment came when an Inughuit hunter was given an iron knife—an object of immense value in a world where tools were made from bone, driftwood, and animal sinew. He tested the blade and, realizing its sharpness and durability, immediately understood its potential.
The Inughuit, who had lived off whale, seal, and polar bear hunting, had developed a society completely independent of external influence. This first encounter shattered their belief that they were alone on Earth.
Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Contact
Immediate Effects
- The Inughuit gained access to metal tools, knives, and needles, revolutionizing their ability to hunt and make clothing.
- They were introduced to tobacco, which many quickly adopted.
- Their understanding of the world expanded, as they now knew of other humans beyond the ice.
Long-Term Effects
- Over time, more European and American explorers—such as Robert Peary in the late 19th century—established contact with the Inughuit, bringing trade goods but also new diseases.
- The introduction of firearms in later years changed hunting practices, making traditional harpoon hunting less common.
- Christian missionaries eventually brought new religious influences, though many Inughuit maintained their shamanistic traditions for generations.
This pivotal moment in 1818 marked the end of the Inughuit’s complete isolation and the beginning of their integration—on their own terms—into a broader world they had never known existed.
Use of Animal Sinew in Inughuit Tools and Technology
Before their contact with Europeans in 1818, the Inughuit relied entirely on the natural materials available in the Arctic to craft tools, weapons, and everyday items essential for survival. Among these materials, animal sinew played a crucial role, acting as a natural alternative to rope, glue, and thread in the absence of metals, plant fibers, or synthetic materials.
What is Sinew?
Sinew refers to the tough, fibrous connective tissue found in the tendons and ligaments of animals. When properly processed, it becomes extremely strong, flexible, and resistant to moisture, making it an ideal binding material in an environment where traditional fibers like cotton or wool were unavailable.
The Inughuit primarily sourced sinew from:
- Caribou (reindeer) – If available, its tendons provided long, durable fibers.
- Seals and walruses – Their sinews were exceptionally strong and water-resistant, ideal for maritime tools.
- Polar bears – Though less common, bear sinew was valued for its toughness.
- Whales – The fibrous tissues of large marine mammals were sometimes used for binding and rope-making.
How Sinew Was Processed and Used
To use sinew effectively, the Inughuit developed several techniques for extracting, drying, and preparing the material:
- Extraction: After an animal was butchered, tendons and ligaments were carefully removed.
- Drying: The sinew was stretched and dried in the cold air or smoked over a fire to prevent decay.
- Separation into Fibers: Once dry, the sinew was pounded with stones or chewed to separate it into fine, thread-like fibers.
- Twisting and Braiding: The fibers could be twisted together to form cords or braided into thicker ropes.
- Softening: If needed, sinew was moistened with saliva or water to regain flexibility before being used.
Primary Uses of Sinew in Inughuit Tools
Sinew had countless applications in Inughuit daily life. Some of its most vital uses included:
1. Weapon and Tool Construction
- Harpoon Lashings: Inughuit harpoons were typically made of driftwood, whale bone, or antler. The spearhead was fastened using tightly wrapped sinew, which would shrink when dried, tightening the binding and ensuring a firm hold.
- Bowstrings: While bows were less common in Greenland than in other Inuit societies, when used, they were strung with sinew, which was highly flexible and stored energy efficiently.
- Knives and Ulu (Women’s Knives): Bone or stone blades were attached to wooden or ivory handles using sinew bindings.
2. Clothing and Footwear
- Thread for Sewing: The fibers of sinew were split into ultra-fine strands and used to sew seal-skin clothing, boots (kamiks), and parkas. Unlike plant-based threads, sinew swelled when wet, making the stitches tighter and more waterproof.
- Lashings for Snow Goggles: The Inughuit carved wooden or bone snow goggles to protect their eyes from snow blindness, fastening them with sinew straps.
3. Kayaks and Sleds
- Skin Boats (Umiak & Kayaks): Large boats (umiaks) and kayaks were stitched together with sinew, binding the seal or walrus hides stretched over a frame made of driftwood or whalebone.
- Dog Sled Lashings: Sinew was used to bind sled joints, ensuring flexibility and durability in extreme conditions.
4. Binding and Rope-Making
- Tent Construction: The Inughuit made summer tents from animal skins fastened to driftwood or bone frames using sinew ropes.
- Fish Nets and Traps: Sinew was sometimes woven into fishing nets or used as binding material for traps.
5. Adhesive and Reinforcement
- Natural Glue: When mixed with animal fat or boiled down into a sticky substance, sinew created an effective glue for binding tools and reinforcing cracks in harpoon shafts or sled runners.
- Bow Reinforcement: Some Inuit bows were reinforced with sinew glued to the back, increasing strength and durability.
The Impact of European Contact on Sinew Use
When John Ross and his British expedition made first contact with the Inughuit in 1818, they introduced metal tools for the first time. This revolutionized how the Inughuit made their weapons and tools:
- Iron and steel knives replaced stone and bone tools, reducing the need for sinew lashings.
- Metal sewing needles and imported threads (such as cotton and silk) gradually replaced sinew in sewing.
- Guns and metal-tipped harpoons changed hunting techniques, decreasing reliance on sinew-bound weapons.
However, many Inughuit continued using sinew well into the 20th century, especially for tasks where it remained superior—such as sewing waterproof clothing, making flexible bindings, and constructing traditional kayaks.
Even today, sinew remains a vital part of Inuit culture, with traditional craftsmen still using it in making authentic Inuit tools, garments, and artwork.
Conclusion: Sinew as a Testament to Inughuit Ingenuity
The use of sinew in Inughuit society highlights their resourcefulness and ability to adapt to one of the harshest environments on Earth. Long before metal tools arrived, they engineered a sophisticated toolkit entirely from the animals they hunted, ensuring their survival in an ice-covered world. Even after their first contact with Europeans in 1818, sinew remained a crucial material in their way of life, a testament to their skill and ingenuity.