Next to several of the museums are the peculiar peat houses, which were used as winter residences, some right up until the mid 1960s! Nuuk's culture house Katuaq, the culture houses in Sisimiut and Ilulissat and art exhibitions around the country also display recollections from a strong culture - communicated through new expressions and art forms.
Community spirit and solidarity
No kings or emperors have lived in Greenland or the Arctic, and no temples or castles can testify to the greatness of times gone by. There are legends and stories about big whalers that that have been remarkable in some way, but it is in the community spirit and solidarity that the Inuit, which means people, have lived and survived. The Inuit communities had no class divide and very limited property rights. Everything, except for personal hunting tools and clothing, was considered common property.
The inuit culture is about beauty in the things close by
You will discover that this approach to life is reflected in a culture that is first and foremost about enjoying a sense of community - through the kaffemik, drum dances, and story-telling. In the Inuit culture traditionally no one aspired to owning unnecessary material goods, but instead enjoyed the beauty of things close by, first and foremost the beautiful utility items and costumes. This same approach - and sense of quality - is characteristic of many of the items tourists take away with them - furs and gloves, jewellery of chiselled reindeer antlers, knives and crafted models of hunting tools, kayaks and dog sledges. Drop in and learn about Greenlandic traditions and inuit culture. Nearly all of nature's materials are used in the Greenlandic tradition of arts and crafts.
Drum dances and choirs
Drum dances were a former way of communicating myths and stories and also of solving conflicts. Today, both drum dances and masked dances can be arranged in several towns. Another dance that continues to be popular is the Greenlandic polka. It is fun to dance and easy to learn. All Greenlandic towns and settlement have choirs, and a concert by the local choir is always uplifting.
Survival against the odds
You may wonder how the Inuit were able to survive for centuries through the incredibly tough Arctic conditions. They managed to master them and through the stories of their past you will understand that they did more than just survive. Quality of life, happiness, pride, self-deprecating humour and joy flow from these stories and traditions just as they do from present day music, art and theatre. The old myths and legends are still a source of inspiration for many young artists, musicians, theatre groups and authors.
Power and inner energy
The omnipresence of nature was the underlying force. Inuit nature religion builds on "inua", which means strength. Nature is living and is strong, powerful and full of secrets. Everything - animals and natural phenomenon - have a special life force, an inner energy and power. And each inua has its own individual characteristics.
Read about The Greenlandic People here.
Read about Norse History here.
Read about Hunting Culture here.
Read about The History of Greenland here.
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