Sugurak

Sugurak is a term sometimes used to refer to certain types of traditional Inuit snow shelters, specifically those constructed from packed snow. These shelters are distinct from igloos, which are typically made from blocks of ice or snow cut and stacked. Suguraks are characterized by their less rigid structure, often formed by excavating a snowdrift or piling and shaping snow. The exact construction methods and terminology can vary significantly among different Inuit communities across the Arctic.

These temporary shelters provided essential protection from the harsh Arctic climate, offering insulation against extreme cold and wind. Their construction was a survival skill passed down through generations, adapted to the available materials and environmental conditions of specific regions. While igloos are more widely recognized, suguraks represent another important facet of Inuit ingenuity in building shelters from snow. The term itself and the specific forms it encompasses can be subject to regional dialects and interpretations, making a single, definitive description challenging. They served as vital refuges for hunters and travelers during expeditions or as supplementary shelters to more permanent dwellings.