The Department of Anthropology presents
The Michigan Anthropology Colloquium Series

"Miqqutiit: Revitalizing Inuit Knowledge of Bird Bone Needles"

Krista Ulujuk Zawadski
PhD Candidate in Cultural Mediations, the Institute for Comparative Studies, Carleton University


Friday, February 25, 2022
3:00 p.m. EST

Zoom Webinar:
https://umich.zoom.us/j/92496167134

Abstract: Connecting with cultural material in museum collections is very valuable, especially for cultural revitalization efforts by Indigenous peoples. Sometimes it is less commonly known cultural materials that are often overlooked or forgotten that are particularly important for strengthening Indigenous people's cultural connections to their ancestors. Miqqutiit (needles) is one such example. Miqqutiit are very important to Inuit culture as they enabled Inuit to create very warm clothing, ensuring not only survival in the Arctic's harsh environment, but more importantly ensured the prospering of Inuit culture, language and traditions. Sewing and skin working remains a strong practice for Inuit today, and though the technologies most commonly used have changed through time, it is easy for Inuit to connect with miqqutiit. Building on previous work around Kakpiit (needle cases) Zawadski is revitalizing knowledge about miqqutiit through local engagement with knowledge holders, Indigenous archaeology and museum collections research.