logo

Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

A window to the arctic

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.

Genre:

Duration: 22:00

Series: Uakallanga

Channel: Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

Tags: Inuit IBC Canadian Arctic Traditional Knowledge Inuit Broadcasting Corporation History Culture Inuk Nunavut drum caribou skin qilauti sinew katuk