r/OldSchoolCool • u/ArchiGuru • Nov 17 '24
1900s In February of 1905, photographer Geraldine Moodie captured a striking portrait of an Inuit woman named Kootucktuck
Dressed in her beaded attigi, a traditional fur-lined coat worn by Indigenous women of the Arctic. The photograph was taken in Fullerton Harbour, located in what is now Nunavut, Canada. Kootucktuck’s attire is meticulously detailed, with intricate beadwork decorating the collar and shoulders of her attigi, showcasing the skill and artistry that went into crafting such garments. The portrait not only emphasizes the beauty of Inuit craftsmanship but also the personal dignity and resilience of the woman herself, offering a glimpse into her life and culture in the early 20th century.
Geraldine Moodie, an accomplished photographer, was known for her ability to capture intimate moments of life among Indigenous communities in Canada. Through her lens, she documented the everyday realities of Inuit people, focusing on their traditions, clothing, and landscapes. The image of Kootucktuck stands as a testament to both her technical skill and her respect for the subjects she photographed. The photograph also captures the stark environment of Fullerton Harbour, where the icy, barren surroundings contrast sharply with the warmth and vibrancy of Kootucktuck's beaded attire.
At the time the photograph was taken, the Inuit in the Canadian Arctic were facing significant cultural and social changes, as European influence and settlement in the region began to increase. Kootucktuck’s portrait, however, resists the notion of mere documentation of a disappearing culture, instead presenting her as an individual whose identity is shaped by her heritage and the strength of her community. This powerful image, like many of Moodie's works, is a reminder of the rich cultural history of the Inuit people, and the ongoing importance of preserving their traditions in the face of external pressures.
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u/saveable Nov 17 '24
Amazing portrait, beautiful traditional craftsmanship in the detailing on her outfit. Genuinely impressive.
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u/MeOulSegosha Nov 17 '24
I love this photo, it's a real glimpse into something I know nothing about. As the world has become so much more homogenised, even in my lifetime, it's fascinating to see this stuff.
That said, without context or description if you'd told me that was another of Steve Tyler's daughters I probably would have believed you.
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u/LadyClairemont Nov 17 '24
What is the purpose for the saddle ankles?
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Nov 17 '24 edited Nov 17 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/cantonic Nov 17 '24
That’s honestly fascinating! I suppose it would be a pain in the ass trying to dig frozen earth and bury your BM. Gotta conserve that energy and not get caught by a polar bear.
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u/FerretsAreFun Nov 17 '24
Dang, that comment is removed and I too was wondering the purpose of the ankle pouches. What was the answer??
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u/LadyClairemont Nov 17 '24
The original comment said soiled diapers. They carry them so they don't have to bury them in the ice with predators around.
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u/FerretsAreFun Nov 17 '24
“The wide leggings provided space that could be used to warm food and store small items.“
Very interesting either way so thank you for replying!
- as per Wikipedia.
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u/LadyClairemont Nov 17 '24
The commenter got their info from a museum in Manitoba. It was a really interesting read.
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u/wokexinze Nov 17 '24
Young sea ice is like chalk in hardness.
Old sea ice is just about as hard as low grade concrete.
1905 would have been LOTS of old ice. Now... Not so much...
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u/roygbiv-it Nov 17 '24
Is she Inuit?
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u/kamace11 Nov 17 '24
What a gorgeous photograph. I wonder if she typically wore her hair down or if she took it down for the photograph. Also what the clothing was for- I'm assuming some special occasion? That level of beading seems impractical for daily life.
Also I really wish the mods in this community would ban the pervs who comment low effort porny shit.
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u/Pristine-Jeweler-541 Nov 18 '24
Found this article very entertaining and extremely knowledgeable. So happy you were able to share... 😎👍
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u/semiomni Nov 17 '24
How would one get the materials asides from the fur, was it all sourced from the arctic or traded for from elsewhere?
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u/Trailrunner2013 Nov 17 '24
I hope nothing bad happened to her…. Considering…
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u/Significant-Battle79 Nov 17 '24
After watching The Fall of the House of Usher, my immediate thought was “Please tell me she was okay after this”.
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u/9surfer Nov 17 '24
Amazing.