Qilauti (Drum)
The traditional drum was made of drift wood that a man would often find in the water while sailing his qajaq. The skin was made of a thin rawhide from a caribou stomach. The skin was wrapped with ivalu which is the sinew of a caribou back. The katuk (stick) was made from left over wood or antler and the thickest leather you could find either aiviq (walrus) or ujjuk (bearded seal) wrapped around. A modern drum is made of lumber, wax thread, nails, leather and glue. We invite David Serkoak, a long time drum dancer and drum maker to explain the process of making both a traditional and modern drum as well as teaching us the maintenance involved. He also shares the history of the qilauti (drum), the dance moves and the rituals surrounding the songs and performance.
Unaaq (Harpoon)
The Unaaq (Harpoon) has many uses for the Inuit, two main uses are for harpooning a catch such as seals at their breathing holes, walruses, whales and other sea and land animals such as caribou. This ancient weapon was also used to make sure the ice is safe, by harpooning the ice you will step on. For many years Inuit made this tool from animal bones and used dried walrus intestines cut up to make rope. Today, Inuit make their harpoons from what is readily available in modern technology such as steep rods for the fore shaft and their heads, the arrow from brass, steel or aluminum. A hunter from Iqaluit, Jerry Ell will take us through the many steps to make a modern harpoon and he will also show us the way he makes an arrow.