Through the decades the dog sled has been an important and unavoidable means of transport for commercial trappers in both West and East Greenland.
Although the use of dog sleds has been in decline over time, it has become more popular again in recent years. A sled whip is indispensable when driving a dog sled, and is absolutely essential for a good sled ride.
Through the decades the dog sled has been an important and unavoidable means of transport for commercial trappers in both West and East Greenland.
Although the use of the dog sled has been in decline over time, it has become more popular again in recent years. A sled whip is indispensable when driving a dog sled, and is absolutely essential for a good sled ride.
Hans Mathias Kristensen, who is a trapper and fisherman in Innaarsuit, cannot do without a dog sled in his profession. For many years he has been making sled whips using traditional methods. And there is demand for that, he says.
Part of the culture
The sled whip is not only important for dog sledding, but it is also a central part of Greenlandic culture, believes Hans Mathias Kristensen.
– It is clear that the production of sled whips according to traditional methods has become a peculiar sight. In North Greenland, trappers and dog sled drivers certainly make their own sled whips, but they are not particularly visible.
– Making a strap is also disappearing. When I was young, my uncle guided me in making a strap, and I have benefited greatly from that ever since, he says.
Leather from a ringed seal is usually used to make the strap, while the whip is made from ringed seal skin.
Complex production of sled whip
According to Hans Mathias Kristensen, the sea around Aappilattoq will freeze until late this year. It limits both catching and fishing. Therefore, in recent times he has had better opportunities to make sled whips.
If a sled whip is to be made nicely and properly, it takes a long time to prepare the materials, he explains.
– When I have caught a harbor seal, I degrease it myself with an ulu. While there is still hair on the skin, I dry it for about two months in the cellar, after which I remove the hair.
– Afterwards I cut the strap into strips and process it into a sled whip. Skin from a ringed seal is best suited for a whip. I first put it in water, degrease it and dry it, after which I cut it into thin strips.
– If a sled whip is to look good, the assembly at the whip shaft must be neatly done, he says.
Hans Mathias Kristensen has a workshop in the basement of his house, where he makes sled whips. l
– It can take a long time to make a sled whip from scratch. But if the strap, lash and shaft are already made in advance, I can make two or three sled whips a day.
Used for various purposes
According to him, the method of making the sled whips varies from place to place. He also emphasizes that they are used for different purposes.
– For example, sled whips used on sea ice are often longer. Some dogs have to be touched with the sled whip, and they are usually both thicker and heavier, he says.
The sled whips that Hans Mathias Kristensen makes for sale are uniform. But if someone has special wishes, he makes them according to the customer’s wishes.
Very much in demand
Sled whips for both adults and children are popular, he says.
– Last year I finished almost 50 sled whips. A sled whip that is used by adults is about 4-5 meters long, but the one most in demand is just over 4 meters, and I sell it for DKK 700.
– I recently received an order from East Greenland, but there are most customers in Ilulissat. It’s not just dog sled drivers who buy sled whips – people who don’t sled themselves buy them as decorations, says the whip maker from Innaarsuit.
Although the use of the dog sled has previously been decreasing compared to previous years, in recent years it has started to increase again, says Hans Mathias Kristensen.
