Kudlik

"Qulliq" redirects here. For the energy corporation, see Qulliq Energy.
Kudlik lighting, Nunavut, 1999

Kudlik or qulliq (Inuktitut: ᖁᓪᓕᖅ, IPA: [qulːiq]) is a type of oil lamp used by the Inuit.

Description

The lamp consists of a crescent-shaped cup of carved soapstone, filled with whale or seal blubber.[1] Arctic cottongrass, common cottongrass, or moss[2] is used as a wick.

Uses

In former times, the lamp was a multi-purpose tool. The Inuit used the kudlik for illuminating and heating their tents and igloos, for melting snow, cooking, and drying their clothes. Today it is mainly used for ceremonial purposes.

Imagery

A qulliq (kudlik) is featured on the coat of arms of Nunavut.

References

  1. ↑ "Glossary Kudlik". Macdonald Stewart Art Centre. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
  2. ↑ "Flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago". mun.ca/biology/delta/arcticf/. Retrieved 2009-03-31.

External links

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