‘They were whaling from the sea ice, and Tiguatchialuk was the skin boat owner. He told the young men to watch the bay for whales. Then he sang this song: “I will harpoon it here. Right here on its pikuk (neck), where there’s lots of blubber!”’ Told by Asatchaq Jimmie Killigivuk, Point Hope 1976.

Umiaqs are open boats, about 9 m long and 1.5-1.8 m wide. They were propelled by paddling or rowing, or with a sail (Fig. 1). They consisted of frames made from driftwood, and covered with skin, preferably from the bearded seal.

In the past, such boats were used across the Arctic for transportation (Fig. 2) and the hunting of sea mammals (Fig. 3). On land, the umiaq could also be used as temporary shelter on hunting trips in the summer, by turning it around and setting it on one edge. In winter, umiaqs were stored upside down on racks (Fig. 4). Among the Iñupiat, the umiaq's use for whale hunting was particularly important. Before the hunt, they were transported to the ice edge on sleds (Fig. 5).

Pictorial engravings frequently show umiaqs in connection with the hunting of whales and walrus. Following a stylistic convention frequently found in carvings as well, most artists show only the parts that are visible from above the water line. ‘Full views’, showing the paddle tips under the water line, as well as the whole animal, are rare (Fig. 3).