Inupiaq Clothing

Scott shows the boys' atigi. The atigi is the inside pullover parka with fur side on the inside. The fur can be young caribou (tuttu), rabbit (ukalliq), or purchased lamb. The ruff can be made of fox, wolf, or wolverine fur. The wolverine is a fur that does not frost up with warm breath, so it is highly prized. It is attached to the atigi with the claws hanging in front.

The atikluk worn by LoFong covers the atigi. It is made of cloth. The men's atikluk is traditionally of solid colored cloth. For hunting, the cloth is a plain white or off-white.  

The women's atikluk has a different style. There is often a peaked hood and a gathered skirt attached at the bottom. The cloth is patterned. Many ladies enjoy flower patterns and fancy trim.

The atikluk is like a slipcover for the atigi. A new atikluk can be made without replacing the atigi . Or the atikluk can be washed separately.

Tuttulik are the warmest boots used on the North Slope. They are made entirely of caribou. The sole is thick caribou fur turned inside. The tops of the boots are made from caribou legs. Mrs. Burtner wears tuttuliks. Tuttuliks can have annjik or sole patches.

Kamik are boots often called mukluks. They have strong ugruk (bearded seal) soles. The tops can be made of other fur, seal, calfskin, or caribou. Isaac has on kamiks , and Heather holds another pair.

Aitqatik are mittens. Today's Inupiaq often wear mittens on a yoke made of braided yarn. The aitqatik are made roomy and warm with fur inside and a cloth covering or a leather palm. Workers can wear gloves inside and let the atiqatik hang on their yoke while doing a quick winter job that requires finger dexterity. Then they quickly put their hands back in the aitqutik .

Look at her face. She is bundled up in fur, scarf, and hat so that only the eyes are seen. If the mouth is covered and the wind is blowing, it is difficult to answer questions. Raising the eyebrows means Yes (ii ). Lilly is saying "Yes." A quick squint of the eyes means "I don't know."

This page is dedicated to the people of Nuiqsut, Alaska where Mrs. Burtner lived for two winters. The clothing style is from the North Slope part of Alaska. Words are taken from memory and the Inupiat Eskimo Dictionary, Webster and Zibell, 1970. Address additions or corrections to burtner_judith@msmail.asd.k12.alaska.us