Throughout history, clothing has generally become more revealing, but the modern thong is actually an ancient design. The Kalaallit (Greenlandic Inuit) have been wearing a similar garment for centuries. Known as the naatsit, this traditional undergarment resembles a G-string and is crafted from seal fur. Seal fur was chosen for its durability and balanced insulation, making it suitable for the harsh Arctic climate.
The naatsit is assembled with reindeer or whale sinews and often adorned with decorative elements such as beads or even the seal’s head attached to the front piece. Both men and women wore this undergarment. They might wear it alone at home or under a thicker pair of seal fur trousers when outdoors. The garment sometimes shocked Danish missionaries who visited, as it was quite different from what they were accustomed to.
Additional Information:
- Cultural Significance: The naatsit reflects the ingenuity and adaptation of the Greenlandic Inuit to their environment, using available materials to create practical and functional clothing suited to their needs.
- Material Usage: Seal fur was highly valued for its insulating properties and was used extensively in Inuit clothing to protect against extreme cold.
- Historical Context: The Inuit’s use of such garments predated the modern thong by centuries, demonstrating how various cultures have independently developed similar clothing styles over time.
