TALES TOLD BY THE ESKIMO 53 



Around the small, dome-shaped snow dwelling are 

 low seats constructed from blocks of frozen snow, 

 which, covered with several layers of skin and fur 

 make comfortable couches for the inmates. Already 

 the small room has become so warm that most 

 members of the family have cast aside their outer 

 fur garments, and each person is settling down 

 to the evening task. The women are busy chewing 

 skin of the reindeer in order to make it soft and 



ESKIMO BOW-DRILL FOR FIRE MAKING. 



pliable, so that it may be sewn into boots and 

 jackets, while the men are constructing harpoons, 

 mending harness for the dogs, or perhaps cleverly 

 engraving small sketches on pieces of ivory obtained 

 from the tusks of the walrus. 



Oil lamps are kept burning day and night in 

 winter, but should the Eskimo require a light he 

 can quickly produce it by means of the bow-drill. 

 A peg of hard wood rests in a hole in a soft board, 



