The Netsilik Eskimo

by Asen Balikci

Today regarded as a classic, this description of life in polar cultures reflects traditional ethnography at its best and has been a favored account for thirty years. Balikci's important study of the Netsilingmiut, an isolated tribe of Arctic hunters living close to the Arctic Circle, examines their technology, social organization, and religion. The extended period of time that the author worked with the Netsilik Eskimo is reflected in the depth of his understanding of their past and present environments. His portrayal of their dependence on government services, along with modern technology, provides an accurate and necessary insight into the process of cultural change being experienced by cultures in many developing countries. The volume makes a superb accompaniment to the Netsilik documentary film series.

Genres: Anthropology, School, Nonfiction, History, College

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an incredibly violent tribe of people. Funny how Europeans get a bad rap despite these "native" cultures being driven by genocide and infidelity.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

i don't think I would read this type of book willingly for fun, but for class it was good

[Chinchilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible supplement to the National Film Board's documentary https://www.nfb.ca/subjects/indigenou...

It provides a dialogue and many explanations to the non-commentary documentary. Everything makes so much more sense when they are used together.

If I can, I would give it more than 5 stars (for its content as well as my personal attachment/feelings).

[Kenley Bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and very informative. I had to read this for school, but ended up really enjoying it. The Netsilik peoples are very interesting in their practices and rituals. Would recommend to the appropriate person.

[erl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book for the second time, the first being about thirty years ago. It was interesting enough that I am glad I held on to it. The first time, I read it for my first ever anthropology class. This time, I read it for pleasure. While the technology section really made an impression thirty years ago, I was really struck this time by the author's obliviousness to his own cultural bias. For example, he keeps referring to Netsilik women as "housewives," and the men as "hunters." Yet, these are a nomadic people, and the women particpate in fishing season to the extent that no fish would be caught without them.

Several aspects of Netsilik life left me wishing for more detail. For example, anyone who gives birth to an unwanted infant is free to leave it in the doorway (in the Arctic cold), and anyone who wishes is free to adopt the infant. Why an infant would be unwanted is not addressed. Also the Netsilik women give birth completely unassisted. I would definitely want to learn more about that. Do they at least have some education before they go off into solitary confinement to give birth? And how many babies do they have on average?

While murder in various forms is discussed, there is no mention of the Netsilik ever going to war. Ever. That is a subject I would like to see discussed in further detail. How is it that in a land of so few resources, people were able to live in relative peace? Or is war simply a subject that does not interest Balikci?
All in all, and interesting study. Balikci famously made movies about the Netsilik, which are available online.

[R.K. Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars

[Bramble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bibliographic data incorrect.