The most renowned knife in Alaska

March 4, 2005 12:16 PM

Ulus have been around for thousands of years. Originally created by Inuit craftsmen as a practical cutting tool, the ulu has evolved and is still in use today as a handy implement in the kitchen. But two ulus in a shoebox doesn't get you far. (Real Player video)
posted by debralee (8 comments total)

I love this post, debralee - thanks! That's cool about the fishermen finding the ancient ulus. Traditionally, as some of your links point out, this has been a woman's tool. I have an inuit stone sculpture that has a little guy sitting using an ulu. This is said to be rare so I wonder if he was perhaps ostracized, or just couldn't find a wife. It's one of my favorite pieces.

Ulus make nice jewelry, too.

A woman with an ulu is a common theme for Inuit art and sculpture - here is a wonderful woman with an ulu...and another one...and another one...and another one.
posted by madamjujujive at 1:00 PM on March 4, 2005

It's also a crossword answer.
posted by 1016 at 1:16 PM on March 4, 2005

Neat post; something I didn't know about. Thanks!
posted by interrobang at 3:43 PM on March 4, 2005

That's funny. I know of a Melanesian language where a similar tool is called a 'ili'ilili.
posted by ~rschram at 3:52 PM on March 4, 2005

Reminds me of the mezzaluna seen in Italian cutlery for chopping herbs, onions, and garlic.
posted by junesix at 4:23 PM on March 4, 2005

madamjujujive--

Children will also use the ulu, especially for eating. Maybe that's who your statue is of?

Fantastic post, debralee. I loved the modern ulus.
posted by kalimac at 5:40 PM on March 4, 2005

Great post! I've been wanting an ulu to use in the kitchen for a while now.
posted by Melinika at 6:41 PM on March 4, 2005

Cool post! I remember first hearing about ulus in "Julie of the Wolves".
posted by stray at 2:01 AM on March 5, 2005