3. Burning Animal Fat for Light and Heat
With wood scarce in the treeless tundra, early Alaskans turned to animal fat—especially from seals or whales—to fuel lamps and fires. The Inuit’s iconic qulliq was a stone lamp that burned seal oil, providing vital warmth, light, and even a means to cook food. Unlike wood stoves, these lamps required no imported fuel, making them perfectly adapted to the Arctic environment. Learn about the qulliq’s cultural and practical significance at the Canadian Encyclopedia.
