Kayaks were made of animal skin and wood. The wood was often found as driftwood or cut from trees further south. The skin, usually from a seal or caribou, was dehaired and sewn together and then fitted tightly around the wooden frame. Kayaks were made to be lightweight and move quickly through the water in order to hunt efficiently. They could be easily transported on land because they weighed so little. Kayaks were essential to the survival of the Inuit because it allowed them to reap the benefits of the marine world.
Ivory toy kayak with dolls and spears. 83.1075. early 20th century. Tulsa: Gilcrease Museum, https://collections.gilcrease.org/object/831075 (05/26/2017).
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