Shaman in elaborate parka, Repulse Bay, Hudson Bay, Canadian Arctic

• Main Author: Comer, George (Creator)
• Format: Still Image
• Language: unknown
• Published: Ownership Statement: Mystic Seaport 1901
• Subjects: Shamans; Inuit; Costume; Whaling; Arctic; Bedford; Hudson; Hudson Bay; New Bedford; Parka; Repulse Bay; inuit
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11134/70002:5461

An Inuit angakok (shaman) identified as Qingailisaq poses in the deckhouse of the whaling schooner Era at Repulse Bay, Hudson Bay, Canadian Arctic, November 23, 1901. He stands with his back to the camera, displaying the rear view of an elaborate parka inspired by a vision. Image is described as "showing the back of a great angakok [shaman], with his peculiar style of coat." Infrastructure Lifestyle Title supplied by cataloger. Information from original envelope identifies this as Photo 159. Number 175 is etched into emulsion on lower part of plate. Front view (1966.339.68) of same man appears to show him in same garment. Taken by Captain George Comer (1858-1937), a sealer and whaling captain from East Haddam. He went to sea while still in his teens and was later master of vessels from both New London and New Bedford, including the Era. Comer participated in voyages involved in polar expeditions and was noted for his studies of Arctic peoples and their environment.