Igloos, Past and Present

Igloos have been used by peoples of the Arctic regions for thousands of years as a traditional shelter. The design of the igloo allowed for protection from severe weather conditions, such as high winds and low temperatures, and provided a comfortable living space. The Inuit constructed their igloos out of snow blocks, which were cut from the surrounding area, and then carefully placed to form a dome-shaped structure. This created a cozy space, insulated from the harsh Arctic weather, which made for an excellent shelter during the long winter months. Today, igloos are still used as temporary shelters for outdoor activities, such as camping or as a unique lodging experience.

While igloos are not commonly used as a primary residence in modern times, they are still utilized by some of the indigenous people who inhabit the Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, and Siberia. The Inuit, who are Indigenous peoples inhabiting the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, are well known for their igloo building skills. However, many Inuit now live in modern settlements and houses, and use igloos for traditional activities such as camping, hunting, and fishing. Other native peoples such as the Yupik, Aleut, and Siberian Chukchi also build their own versions of igloos for traditional purposes.