When you think of Eskimos, you might picture snow igloos, fur-lined parkas, and dog sleds. But there’s so much more to their culture, history, and way of life than meets the eye.
Let’s dive into 14 incredible facts about Eskimos that will leave you amazed—and maybe even inspire your next trivia night!
1. The Word “Eskimo” Isn’t Actually Their Preferred Name
Picture this: you’re at a party, and someone calls you by a nickname you haven’t used since middle school. Awkward, right?
That’s kind of how many Indigenous Arctic peoples feel about the term “Eskimo.” While it’s widely used, many prefer to be called by their specific group names, like Inuit or Yupik. The word “Eskimo” is thought to come from a term meaning “eaters of raw meat,” which, let’s be honest, sounds like something a rival tribe made up to be shady.
So, if you want to be culturally respectful, stick to Inuit or Yupik—unless you’re at a raw meat-eating contest, in which case, go wild.
2. Igloos Are Temporary Homes, Not Permanent Residences
When you think of Eskimos, you probably imagine them chilling in an igloo 24/7, sipping hot cocoa and binge-watching Netflix. But here’s the truth: igloos are more like the Arctic’s version of a pop-up tent. They’re temporary shelters used during hunting trips or emergencies. Think of them as the ultimate Airbnb for snowstorms.
Most Eskimos live in modern houses these days, but igloos are still a testament to their incredible engineering skills. Fun fact: a well-built igloo can keep you warmer than a poorly insulated apartment. Take notes, landlords!
3. They Invented Sunglasses Thousands of Years Ago
Move over, Gucci shades—Eskimos were rocking sunglasses way before they were cool. Literally, to protect their eyes from the blinding glare of the snow, they crafted sunglasses out of bone, leather, or wood with narrow slits.
These weren’t just functional; they were stylish too. Imagine walking into a modern-day sunglasses store and seeing a pair of bone-framed slits labeled “Vintage Arctic Collection.” They’d sell out in seconds.
4. Eskimos Have Over 50 Words for Snow
If you’ve ever struggled to describe snow beyond “fluffy” or “wet,” Eskimos have you beat. Their languages include over 50 words for snow, each describing its texture, density, or purpose.
There’s a word for snow that’s perfect for building igloos, another for snow that’s terrible for sledding, and probably one for snow that ruins your plans to go outside. It’s like having a snow thesaurus, and honestly, we’re a little jealous.
5. They Were Masters of Survival in Extreme Conditions
Living in the Arctic is like playing life in expert mode. Freezing temperatures, limited resources, and polar bears that don’t take no for an answer. But Eskimos didn’t just survive—they thrived.
They built igloos in hours, hunted seals through tiny holes in the ice, and turned animal parts into tools, clothes, and even thread. If there were an Arctic edition of Survivor, they’d win every season.
6. Eskimo Diets Are Rich in Omega-3s
Forget kale smoothies and avocado toast—Eskimos have been rocking the ultimate superfood diet for centuries. Their traditional meals are packed with fish, seals, and whales, all loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
This has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, proving that their diet is as healthy as it is adventurous. Bonus: no need to worry about expiration dates when your fridge is in the Arctic Ocean.
7. They Used Every Part of the Animals They Hunted
Eskimos were the original zero-waste champions. When they hunted an animal, they used everything. Meat for food, fur for clothing, bones for tools, and even sinew for thread. It’s like the Arctic version of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, but way more hardcore. If Eskimos had a motto, it would probably be, “Waste not, want not—or freeze.”
8. Eskimos Have a Deep Spiritual Connection to Nature
For Eskimos, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing part of their culture. Their traditions and stories are filled with respect for animals, the sea, and the land.
They believe that everything has a spirit, from the tiniest snowflake to the mightiest whale. It’s like having a spiritual Wi-Fi connection to the entire Arctic.
9. They Played a Unique Game Called “Ear Pulling”
Forget video games or board games—Eskimos had their own version of extreme sports. One traditional game, called “ear pulling,” involved two players tugging on a looped string with their ears until one gave up. It’s like tug-of-war but with way more earache potential.
Still, it’s a testament to their creativity and sense of humor.
10. Eskimos Were Early Experts in Navigation
Before GPS or even compasses, Eskimos were navigating the Arctic like pros. They used the stars, wind patterns, and even the behavior of animals to find their way across icy landscapes. It’s like having Google Maps hardwired into your brain—except with more polar bears.
11. They Have a Unique Form of Art Called “Scrimshaw”
Eskimos are the original DIY artists. They carved intricate designs into bone or ivory, creating stunning pieces of art that told stories of their culture and daily life. These carvings, known as scrimshaw, are like the Arctic’s version of Instagram—except way more permanent.
12. Eskimos Believed in Shapeshifting Shamans
In Eskimo mythology, shamans had the power to transform into animals. Imagine your local yoga teacher turning into a wolf mid-class—it’s that level of cool. These stories weren’t just for entertainment; they reflected the deep connection between humans and nature.
13. They Used Urine to Wash Clothes
In the Arctic, water is precious, so Eskimos got creative with their laundry. They used urine to wash clothes, as the ammonia acted as a natural cleaning agent. It’s not exactly Tide Pods, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Just don’t try this at home unless you’re really committed to authenticity.
14. Eskimos Have a Unique Calendar Based on the Moon
Forget the Gregorian calendar—Eskimos had their own lunar-based system. Their calendar is divided into 13 months, each tied to natural events like animal migrations or the freezing of the sea. It’s like a poetic way of saying, “Winter is coming.”
Do you love the cold and snow? You don't want to miss reading our article on: Polar Bears: 25 Frosty Facts About the Arctic’s Coolest Predators! Polar bears are more than just fluffy giants of the Arctic
Want To Learn More? Watch This Great Video About The Incredible Origins and History of the Inuit People
Bonus Quick Facts
- Eskimos traditionally kissed by pressing their noses together, a gesture known as “kunik.”
- They used dog sleds long before snowmobiles became a thing.
- Eskimo children often played with dolls made from animal bones and fur.
- The northern lights were believed to be spirits playing games in the sky.
FAQs About Eskimos
Q: What’s the difference between Eskimos and Inuit?
A: “Eskimo” is a broader term that includes both Inuit and Yupik peoples, while “Inuit” refers specifically to Indigenous groups in Canada and Greenland.
Q: Do Eskimos still live in igloos?
A: While igloos are still used for temporary shelter, most Eskimos live in modern homes today.
Q: What language do Eskimos speak?
A: Depending on the region, they speak languages like Inuktitut, Yupik, or others from the Eskimo-Aleut family.
Q: How do Eskimos stay warm in such cold climates?
A: They wear layered clothing made from animal hides and furs, which provide excellent insulation.
Sources:
- National Geographic – Inuit Culture and Traditions
- Smithsonian Magazine – The Ingenuity of Eskimo Survival
- Arctic Studies Center – Eskimo Art and Mythology
Kate is a creative soul with a knack for entertaining people with random facts and historical tidbits. Whether she’s diving into history books, painting vibrant canvases in her free time, or crafting engaging stories, Kate’s passion for creativity and knowledge shines through.
She loves turning the ordinary into something extraordinary and believes there’s always a fascinating story waiting to be told. When she’s not busy exploring the past or wielding a paintbrush, you’ll find her sharing her latest discoveries with anyone who’ll listen.
