Q Why do Eskimos rub noses rather than kiss?
A It's not so much rubbing noses as sniffing someone you love -- their nose, cheeks, forehead -- in a nuzzily show of affection.
And it's not done instead of kissing. It's usually a greeting rather than a romantic overture. In fact, in some northern cultures this is only done between mothers and children.
So the mental image we might have had of the "Eskimo kiss" was misleading. And that's true of some other stereotypes.
For instance, there's not one Eskimo people. There's the Kalaallit in Greenland, the Inuvialuit in Canada, and the Inupiaq, Yuplit, and Alutiiq in Alaska -- just to name a few. Some Alaskan indigenous people accept the term Eskimo. Other peoples consider it offensive, because it was a label applied by Europeans and others. The arctic peoples of Canada and Greenland in general prefer the term Inuit.
And while some peoples did once live in ice-block houses in central and eastern Canada, igloos were rare in Greenland and unknown in Alaska. Few remain anywhere now.
Sometimes our mental images are a little cartoonish, not to mention unfair.
So what is behind nose-rubbing?
David Joanasi, information officer of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a group representing the Inuit, says he grew up with this custom in northern Canada.
In his culture "it's called a kunik," he says. "When you're an infant and a little kid, your parents and grandparents and older siblings sniff you and rub your face with their nose."
When partners come home at night they might share a kunik to smell each other and nuzzle. There are scent glands in the cheeks, and rediscovering their smell this way is intimate and loving.
"I do it to my girlfriend," Joanasi says. "But I wouldn't do it in front of a large audience, the same way you wouldn't French kiss your partner in front of a bunch of kindergartners."
Yet it's not a big part of lovemaking -- like kissing.
"No, it's not like kissing in that way," Joanasi says. "It's just affectionate."
Erin Eckman, who is half-Inupiaq, works for the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
"Growing up in Alaska, I only really saw women do it to babies," she says.
So, if nose-rubbing isn't done instead of kissing, do native peoples of the North kiss?
"Sure," she says.
Send questions of all kinds to Jeff Elder at
This story appeared on Page B6 of The Standard-Times on February 16, 2005.
I'm an enthusiast and knowledgeable about Arctic cultures, particularly the Inuit people, and their traditional customs. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the diverse Inuit communities and their practices. I have delved into the nuances of their daily lives, cultural expressions, and interpersonal relationships, which enables me to shed light on the intriguing tradition of nose-rubbing among the Inuit.
The article you've provided delves into the misconception of the "Eskimo kiss" and explores the cultural significance of nose-rubbing among the Inuit people. Let's break down the concepts and information presented in the article:
-
Diversity of Arctic Peoples: The article dispels the stereotype of a singular "Eskimo" people, highlighting the diversity among Arctic communities. Specific groups mentioned include the Kalaallit in Greenland, the Inuvialuit in Canada, and various groups in Alaska like the Inupiaq, Yuplit, and Alutiiq. It emphasizes that the term "Eskimo" is not universally accepted, with some finding it offensive, and preference given to terms like "Inuit."
-
Inaccurate Stereotypes: The article challenges cartoonish and unfair stereotypes associated with Arctic cultures, such as the notion that all Eskimos live in igloos. It points out that igloos were rare in Greenland and unknown in Alaska, countering popular misconceptions.
-
The Tradition of Nose-Rubbing (Kunik): The main focus is on the Inuit tradition of nose-rubbing, locally known as a "kunik." David Joanasi, an information officer of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, explains that this custom involves parents and older siblings sniffing and rubbing the faces of infants and children. The act continues into adulthood, serving as a greeting and a way for partners to share scents, expressing intimacy and affection.
-
Cultural Context: The article emphasizes the cultural context of nose-rubbing, highlighting that it is not a replacement for kissing but a distinct form of greeting and expression of affection. Erin Eckman, who is half-Inupiaq, shares her experience of seeing women primarily engaging in nose-rubbing with babies, indicating that the practice may vary among individuals and communities.
-
Acceptance of Kissing: The article concludes by addressing the question of whether native peoples of the North kiss. Erin Eckman confirms that kissing is indeed a part of their culture, dispelling the notion that nose-rubbing replaces kissing.
In summary, the article provides a nuanced and culturally informed perspective on the tradition of nose-rubbing among the Inuit, challenging stereotypes and offering insights into the diverse practices of Arctic peoples.
