528 



THE CENTRAL ESKIMO. 



or four in number, are fastened between the gun^\ ale and tlicse lateral 

 strijis. All these pieces are tied together witii thongs, rivets not 

 being used at all. 



Fig. 481. Umiaq or skin boat. 



The frame is covered with skins of ground seals (Figs. 480, 481). 

 It requires three of these skins to cover a medium sized boat ; five to 

 cover a large one. If ground seals cannot be procured, skins of harp 

 or small seals are used, as many as twelve of the latter being required. 

 The cover is drawn tightly over the gunwale and. after being wetted, 

 is secured by tlK.iiss to the lateral strip which is close to the gun- 

 wale. The wckmIi'ii ])ii'(rsatboth ends are perforated and the thongs 

 for fastening the cux'ei- are pulled through these holes. 



The boat is propelled by two large oars. The rowlocks are a 

 very ingenious device. A piece of bone is tied upon the skin in order 



