Deep Dive
Why did the Thule Inuit migrate eastward across North America?
Possible reasons include interpersonal conflicts, the hunting of bowhead whales, and the search for metals.
How did the Thule Inuit build their houses to survive the Arctic cold?
They built subterranean, semi-subterranean houses with whale bones as roofing, covered with animal skins for insulation.
What role did dogs play in the Thule Inuit society?
Dogs were used for hunting and sledding, aiding in overland travel and transportation.
How did the Thule Inuit adapt to the Little Ice Age?
They moved into larger communal houses and relied more on breathing hole hunting for walruses and seals.
What were some of the tools and gadgets used by the Thule Inuit?
Tools included flensing knives, baleen snow beaters, harpoon heads, and drying racks for clothes.
How did the Thule Inuit interact with the Norse?
There is evidence of contact and possible trade, with metal artifacts found in Greenland.
What were some of the hunting techniques used by the Thule Inuit?
Techniques included bow and arrow, harpooning, and using bolas for catching birds.
Why were the Thule Inuit considered the most gadget-oriented people of prehistoric times?
They had a diverse array of tools and gadgets, from harpoon heads to snow beaters and drying racks.
What challenges did archaeologists face in studying the Thule Inuit?
Challenges included the difficulty of excavating in permafrost and the volatile environments of the Arctic.
How did the Thule Inuit use the bowhead whale?
They used its blubber for fuel, bones for houses, and baleen for various tools and gadgets.
- Thule Inuit originated from the Bering Sea area.
- They spread across northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland by 1000 CE.
- Thule culture evolved from the older Bering Sea culture.
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