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Inuit sewing skin on kayak
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Inuit sewing skin on kayak
Photographer: Cozens, Henry Iliffe (1904-1995). Expedition: British Arctic Air Route Expedition 1930-31. Leader: Henry George (Gino) Watkins. Date: 1930. An Inuit man sits sewing seal skin onto the wooden frame of a kayak. The kayak is supported on two barrels. Two Inuit women and a small child stand watching. A seal skin tent is behind, rocky terrain and water with ice floes in the background
Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge, offers excellence in the study of the Arctic and Antarctic
Media ID 11617779
© Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photo print, captured by the talented photographer Henry Iliffe Cozens in 1930, transports us to the icy landscapes of the British Arctic. The image showcases a remarkable scene from the British Arctic Air Route Expedition led by Henry George Watkins. In this snapshot frozen in time, an Inuit man skillfully sews seal skin onto a wooden frame, meticulously crafting a kayak. With utmost concentration and precision, he weaves together tradition and craftsmanship to create a vessel that will navigate these treacherous waters with ease. The kayak rests on two barrels as if awaiting its maiden voyage. Standing nearby are two Inuit women and a small child who observe intently, their presence adding depth to this moment of communal collaboration. Their gazes reveal admiration for the man's expertise and respect for their shared heritage. Behind them stands a traditional seal skin tent - an essential shelter amidst this harsh environment. Its presence symbolizes resilience and adaptability in the face of nature's challenges. As our eyes wander further into the background, we witness rocky terrain stretching towards vast expanses of water adorned with floating ice floes. This juxtaposition between solid ground and ever-changing frozen seas reminds us of both stability and transience - elements intrinsic to life in these remote regions. Preserved by University of Cambridge SPRI (Scott Polar Research Institute), this extraordinary photograph encapsulates not only historical significance but also cultural richness. It serves as a poignant reminder of human ingenuity harmonizing with nature's formidable forces – an enduring testament to humanity's unwavering spirit even in some of Earth's most unforgiving corners.
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