Eskimaux Women of Igloolik


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(p. 315) "The clothing of the women is of the same materials as that of the men, but in shape almost every part is different from the male dress. An inner jacket is worn next the skin, and the fur of the other is outside. The hind flap or tail is of the form before described, but there is also a small flap in front, extending about half way down the thigh. The coats have each an immense hood, which, as well as covering the head, answers the purpose of a child’s cradle for two or three years after the birth of an infant. This is called ama-oo-ta, and is the same as the amaut of Crantz. In order to keep the burthen of the child from drawing the dress tight across the throat, a contrivance, in a great measure resembling the slings of a soldier’s knapsack, is affixed to the collar or neck part, whence it passes beneath the amaoota, crosses, and being brought under the arms, is secured on each side the breast by a wooden button. The shoulders of the women’s coat have a wide bag-like space, for which we were long unable to account; but it was at length ascertained to be for the purpose of facilitating the removal of the child from the hood round to the breast without taking it out of the jacket."

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