Clothing from East Greenland VI. The traditional clothing of East Greenland

Men's coat: anorak
For most of the year and in most circumstances, the men wore the anorak as a coat and outer garment. This is a closed coat pulled on over the wearer's head. Under this outer garment a second anorak - the inner anorak - was worn directly in contact with the upper part of the body.

The anorak was cut wide over the chest so that the front and back panels provided ample room, in very cold weather, for the arms to be drawn inside and warmed next to the wearer's skin. The width also ensured maximum freedom of movement for throwing the harpoon during the hunt.


Anorak of gut skin. RMV 1071-2

The outer anoraks were often made from seal fur or polar-bear fur, and were usually worn with the fur side turned outwards. An inner anorak could also be made of fox fur, or birds' feathers, with a thin anorak of seal skin or intestine worn over it. In periods of extreme cold an extra anorak could also be worn over the outer anorak, with the fur turned outwards. The edges were trimmed with strips of fur taken from polar bear, dog, or young seal. The seams were often finished decoratively with seal leather.

Waterproof anoraks made from intestines were worn in bad weather. Men in their kayaks might also wear extra, waterproof kayak anoraks made of leather, often decorated with ivory beads.


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