Skelet af en umiaq 1859 - 1860

Aron fra Kangeq created this print, "Skeleton of an Umiak," using pen and ink. Fra Kangeq, an Inughuit Greenlander, lived during a period of immense cultural change, as European contact and colonization impacted Inuit life. In this image, we see the structural frame of an Umiak boat, traditionally used by women. The figure standing inside is a striking inclusion, offering a human scale to the vessel. The skeletal depiction of the boat is also noteworthy. Fra Kangeq provides an intimate look at a mode of transportation, survival, and community. The Umiak is not just a boat, but a cultural artifact, embodying the labor and traditions of Inuit women. Fra Kangeq's work provides an important historical record of Inuit life during a time of great cultural transition, offering a view of how identity and tradition persist even when faced with outside pressures.