How to Build an Igloo

This classic short film shows how to make an igloo using only snow and a knife. Two Inuit men in Canada’s Far North choose the site, cut and place snow blocks and create an entrance--a shelter completed in one-and-a-half hours. The commentary explains that the interior warmth and the wind outside cement the snow blocks firmly together. As the short winter day darkens, the two builders move their caribou sleeping robes and extra skins indoors, confident of spending a snug night in the midst of the Arctic cold!

Directed by Douglas Wilkinson - 1949 | 10 min

[BaHaEzZz]

i always find these old documentaries simple, less drama and more accurate and rich in content than recent ones

[jamarkus]

Its 2am. I have work at 7
I live nowhere near snow.
I should be sleeping, but...

I. MUST. KNOW

[ruforufo]

this is really cool. one of my friends is Inuit from Alaska. and he told me that to graduate from high school. everyone had to learn to build an igloo. and then stay in it for several days.
similarly, in Minnesota, its a requirement to be able to swim, tread water for 20 minutes, an float. good things to learn. i think these kids of survival skills should be mandatory across the country.

[EbbProductions]

Old documentaries are way more enjoyable to watch than new ones. No hard rock background music or crazy drums. No stupid amount of animations and fancy cuts. Just pure information.

[johnhelms]

Amazing film. It is important to understand that the snow house is a temporary dwelling during periods of travel or long-distance hunting. The Inuit are incredible innovators who mastered life in one of the harshest regions on the planet. Despite the hardships of their land and the sparseness of the population, they developed a sophisticated culture that values each individual, yet demands conduct that benefits the group. Great respect to them.

[grahamnumber]

Respect. It would take me a few days and several walls falling in to get close to this masterpiece

[BoopSnoot]

So great to see how most Canadian's build their homes. :)

[SamFishback]

I'm not sure when I will ever use this knowledge, but I'm glad I have it!

[putulikilisituk]

I commend those who made this instructional film so long ago when most Inuit will still living in igloos in the circumpolar north. The two Inuit men probably grew up watching their fathers and elders building igloos. This is useful for those who would want to learn the age old craft if they should go out on the land. Further, the word Inuit meaning people is now widely accepted in the north. Inuit means many without the 's', Inuuk means two and Inuk means one.

[isaacanthony]

I admire the Eskimo for such architectural skill

[Hillers]

This is a survival technique that should be taught in survival schools for anyone venturing into frigid areas...It is

[cambriolage]

1.5 hours! Every swing of the tool was measured and precise. Amazing.

[fartimusbumworthy]

1 hour and 30 mins to make that, these two are amazing.

[ktmal]

40 man that is amazing! It's baffling to see these large blocks just stay in position on such an angle.

[trinitytwo]

Humans can really be amazing, what grace and skill, to think of this!

[gezzapk]

All the drongos complaining about the dogs being left outside, they are working husky's with thick FUR. It's not the same as your little hamster dog that you have at home.

[MrDXRamirez]

The work these men of the Arctic perform in the construction of their home from the elements enriches their soul as if nature has given them a pass to exists for their ingenuity, talent, they live in synchronicity with the environment.

[Veroveren]

geez how i love the classics. cartoons, documentaries, games. it brings so much nostalgia.

[TrustPatches]

i fuckin knew 2pac was still alive. He's chillin in an igloo.

[Landrew]

I saw this film in school in the 1960s. We built one on the playground in Grade 5, but the teachers destroyed it, saying it was too dangerous.