Issisuutarin

Issisuutarin is a term of Inuit origin that refers to a type of traditional snowshoe. These snowshoes were essential for travel across the Arctic's deep snow, allowing individuals to distribute their weight and move efficiently. The construction of issisuutarin varied regionally among different Inuit communities, often reflecting the specific snow conditions and available materials.

Typically, issisuutarin were made from wood, bone, or antler for the frame, with a webbing of sinew or rawhide stretched across it. The shape and size could differ, with some being longer and narrower for faster travel, while others were wider for better flotation on soft snow. The design was functional and adapted to the practical needs of hunting, traveling between camps, and accessing resources in harsh winter environments. The knowledge of how to craft and use issisuutarin was passed down through generations, playing a vital role in the survival and cultural practices of the Inuit people.