resort to other methods of getting warm. Bird nests were used sometimes for kindling for the fires but more often Arctic heather was gathered in the warmer months. This heather was valued for its inflammable resin. The Inuit women would constantly tend to a soapstone lamp filled with seal oil. This lamp was called a "Qulliq". The Inuit are not fond of the cold, but their physical features are built to with stand the cold. Their stature has evolved as short, wide bodies that keep body temperature close to the core, rather than allowing it to be wasted through the surface areas of the limbs. What is rather interesting is the fact that they have many more blood vessels in their hands and feet - as compared to other ethnic groups. This allows them to use their hands and feet freely even when exposed to the Arctic's cold temperatures of 40 below. But facts are that they even could not survive the Arctic if it wasn't for their use of Arctic animals. For thousands of years, Inuit have known which animals are best for different kinds of clothes in different seasons, as well as to how to sew them to keep them windproof and to maximize insulation. The Inuit made most of their clothing from the fur of Caribou. Even in today's time, a well-made caribou parka is better than any man made variety. Caribou hair has been discovered to contain thousands of microscopic chambers - like honeycomb - each of which traps and retains the warm air.The difficult living conditions were reflected in Inuit relationship with nature and the supernatural. The Inuit believed that the souls of men and animals would be transformed from one life to another, or one species to another. The rituals that would surround these beliefs were very complex and difficult to understand. When the Inuit would hunt or fish, these activities were separated. The Inuit would wear different garments during these activities and also use different weapons. They would eat c...
