In 1903–1905 Roald Amundsen and his crew anchored the polar ship Gjøa in a bay far north in Canada. The place he reached is called Uqšuqtuuq in Nattilingmiut, the Nattilik Inuit’s own language, and has been inhabited for over 1,000 years. Here Amundsen and his crew spent two winters during the expedition through the Northwest Passage.
The local people and the expedition became well acquainted, and traded objects. After the expedition returned home, the objects were brought to Oslo and incorporated into the Museum of Cultural History.
The material offers insight into the Nattilik‑Inuit material culture and into the encounters between the local community and Amundsen’s expedition during his passage through the Northwest Passage.
The Nattilik Heritage Centre and the Museum of Cultural History collaborate on the collection’s management and future.
Visit by the Nattilik Inuit at Roald Amundsen's expedition ship Gjøa. From the left: Anana, Onallu, Kabloka and Umiktu.
Photo: Roald Amundsen/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
(UEM15791) The parka/anorak worn by women in the region is called amauti.
Photo: Kirsten Helgeland/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
The Nattilik Inuit woman Onallu with her child safely placed in her anorak.
Photo: Roald Amundsen/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
(UEM15626) An ulu is a multipurpose knife traditionally used by women.
Photo: Anne Christine Eek/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
(UEM15586) Water and blubber scoop made from muskox horn. The rim has been repaired with horn and iron. Length: 23.3 cm; width: 20.8 cm.
Photo: Eirik Irgens Johnsen/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
(UEM15620) Blubber club with a large head and a short handle. Length: approx. 26.5 cm.
Photo: Ann Christine Eek/Kulturhistorisk museum, Universitetet i Oslo
(UEM15721) Snow goggles made of wood. Used to protect the eyes from sunlight by covering the entire eye area while allowing vision through narrow slits.
Photo: Eirik Irgens Johnsen/Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
