Research | Forskning - peer review

Mortuary archaeology and bioarchaeology increasingly recognize that the mortuary record indexes not only past societies’ understandings of death but also a wider set of experiences and practices bearing on an extended life course and ontology more broadly. The process of “being-toward-death,” the ex… Mortuary archaeology and bioarchaeology increasingly recognize that the mortuary record indexes not only past societies’ understandings of death but also a wider set of experiences and practices bearing on an extended life course and ontology more broadly. The process of “being-toward-death,” the experience of dying, a community’s participation in this process and subsequent handling of the corpse, the ongoing relations of the living with the material remains, the memory traces of the deceased in a burial cairn, and the local biologies illuminated by bioarchaeology, all constitute elements of a “necrontology” that was a core component of the culturally figured life course. Here the mortuary records from two parts of the Inuit world—northern Labrador and Southwest Greenland—are characterized in terms of their implications for such a necrontology of Inuit groups. While there appear to have been pan-regional patterns, idiosyncratic mortuary treatments also occur, warranting that archaeologists revisit, in appropriately community-sensitive ways, a record increasingly threatened by climate change. Read more

Communication | Formidling - peer review

This personal narrative highlights the journey of an Inuk archaeologist from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire for change within the discipline of Archaeology. The narrative traces the history of impact of Danish colonization and the challenges faced by I… This personal narrative highlights the journey of an Inuk archaeologist from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire for change within the discipline of Archaeology. The narrative traces the history of impact of Danish colonization and the challenges faced by Inuit, particularly in the education system. The author emphasizes the need for inclusivity and adjustment in the education system to support Inuit students. She reflects on the role and history of archaeology in Kalaallit Nunaat from the 19th century, shedding light on its colonial roots and the marginalization of Inuit perspectives and contributions, and emphasizes the need for a shift in the discipline to center Inuit voices and perspectives. Throughout the narrative, the author provides a personal and reflective account and discusses her journey to becoming an Inuk archaeologist, and the challenges she faced. In overall, the author presents the importance of community involvement in archaeological research and the responsibility of researchers to respect community needs and knowledge, and her commitment to promoting Inuit perspectives and self-determination in the fields of Education and Archaeology. Read more

Research | Forskning

Inuit/Inughuit participants were crucial to the success of the Fifth Thule Expedition, yet their contributions are rarely documented. The focus has long been on European explorers, leaving Inuit/Inughuit achievements overlooked. While Knud Rasmussen’s story is well-known, the roles of Inuit/Inugh… Inuit/Inughuit participants were crucial to the success of the Fifth Thule Expedition, yet their contributions are rarely documented. The focus has long been on European explorers, leaving Inuit/Inughuit achievements overlooked. While Knud Rasmussen’s story is well-known, the roles of Inuit/Inughuit participants remain in the shadows. As Inukitsoq and Genoveva Sadorana from Qaanaaq said, “The Fifth Thule Expedition would not have succeeded without them, yet they are almost unknown.” This lecture will bring their voices and perspectives to the forefront, highlighting their indispensable role in the expedition. Read more

Communication | Formidling

In Kalaallit Nunaat, many stories—especially from hunters—tell of sightings or encounters with qivittut (singular: qivittoq). A qivittoq is someone who has abandoned society, often driven by shame, anger, jealousy, or despair, and seeks to survive alone in the wilderness. According to legend, they e… In Kalaallit Nunaat, many stories—especially from hunters—tell of sightings or encounters with qivittut (singular: qivittoq). A qivittoq is someone who has abandoned society, often driven by shame, anger, jealousy, or despair, and seeks to survive alone in the wilderness. According to legend, they eventually gain supernatural powers, can take the shape of animals, or move incredibly fast across the landscape. Feared as vengeful and dangerous, their stories serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of isolation. Deeply rooted in Inuit culture, the qivittoq tradition appears in both ancient legends and modern literature and film. Even today, there are reports of encounters in Kalaallit Nunaat, especially in fjords during spring, summer, and early autumn. I have long wanted to survey specific fjords to document locations linked to qivittoq sightings. But can we trace the qivittoq in the archaeological landscape? And is it even possible? This paper explores examples and key questions. Read more