Life In The Chilly Zone - Fascinating Facts About Eskimos

Communities of Eskimos can be found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of North America and the northeastern tip of Siberia. The large majority frequent the chilly areas of the Arctic Circle and there are about 45,000 living in Greenland.

The word ‘Eskimo’ literally means ‘eater of raw meat.’ Eskimos call themselves Inuits, meaning ‘the real people.’

Eskimos have skilfully adapted to living in a very cold, bleak and harsh environment. They depend on the ability to make tools for survival, learn vital skills and have a ready supply of animals and fish for nourishment.

Typically, the diet of Eskimos consisted of seals, salmon, whales, cod and other fish. During the winter they’d hunt polar bears, walruses and foxes, and during the summer caribou and hare were favourites.



Dome-like shelters made out of slabs of ice and snow are traditionally known as igloos. But Eskimos usually had two homes – one for summer and the other for winter. During the slightly warmer summer months, they typically lived in tents made out of seal or caribou skin.

Eskimos traditionally tried to use almost every possible part of the animals they killed. The skins of birds and animals were woven into clothing, sewn using sinew thread and needles made from bone. Other bones were made into handy weapons, ready to kill more animals, and skins were also used to make boats for fishing and tents in which to sleep.

There are no tribes in Eskimo societies. Most groups consisted extended family members, often covering several generations.



Traditionally, the most important mode of transport for Eskimos was the dogsled. Drawn by between two and 14 huskies, it was usually constructed out of wood or dried salmon.

Today, Eskimos have embraced modern technology to enhance their life. Many thrive on buying imported food and clothing, have better materials for building houses and use motor ski sleds instead of traditional methods. But the old skills are still alive in their cultural and knowledge is continuing to be passed on from generation to generation.