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Inuit from Labrador: A moving chapter in Moritzburg's history
The exhibition “Thin Ice – Inuit on Display” in Moritzburg highlights the story of George and Mary Niakongêtok, who traveled from Labrador in 1825.
Inuit from Labrador: A moving chapter in Moritzburg's history
A very special look back at the history of the Inuit will be available at Moritzburg Castle from June 2025, when the special exhibition “Thin Ice – Inuit on Display” opens its doors. 200 years ago, the Inuit George and Mary Niakongêtok from Labrador, Canada, first set foot on Saxon soil. They were hired by American Captain Samuel Hadlock to act as living exhibits in Europe. As [MDR](https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden/meissen/moritzburg- exhibition-inuit-duennes-eis-kultur-news-100.html) reports, they arrived in Moritzburg in March 1825, where George performed an impressive kayak capsize roll on the castle pond.
The exhibition not only highlights the historic visit of the Inuit, but also their difficult fate. George and Mary toured Europe showcasing their indigenous ways of life, both singing Christian songs in their language, Inuktitut, and performing traditional spear throwing skills. These performances are accompanied by ethnographic treasures from North America and New Zealand, which Hadlock also presented and are now returning to Moritzburg. This will make the history of the Inuit tangible for visitors, as [Kulturkalender Dresden](https://www.kulturkalender-dresden.de/ exhibition/duennes-eis-inuit-zur-schau-stellen) emphasizes.
A fascinating look into Inuit culture
What sets Inuit culture apart is a deeply rooted system of traditional practices focused on survival in the harsh Arctic. Ceremonies honoring seal hunting in particular are central to their spiritual customs. Community and cooperation are essential to thriving in the essence of Inuit culture. Shared hunting, food distribution and seasonal activities bring people together and promote community bonds. This is also reflected in the fact that the Inuit place particular emphasis on the transmission of knowledge through elders who act as guardians of cultural heritage, as Arctic Wildlife Knowledge describes in detail.
The exhibition in Moritzburg provides, among other things, insights into the current living conditions of the Inuit in Labrador, thus connecting the past with the present. Interviews and current topics are creatively integrated into the exhibition to give audiences a comprehensive picture of Inuit culture.
The Tale of the Niakongêtoks
Another aspect of the exhibition deals with the individual fates of the Niakongêtoks. George and Mary left a significant mark on history, with George explaining in letters to missionary Brother Kohlmeister that he fled his homeland as an orphan without a provider. Tragically, Mary died while in England and was replaced by an English showwoman. George also had a short life; he died young, while Samuel Hadlock, who accompanied them on their journeys, died on a trading trip to Greenland in 1830. The exhibition shows the facts without embellishment and does not evaluate the events, which serves to ensure the truthfulness of the presentation.
“Thin Ice” brings to life a fascinating and educational period of cultural history, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the significance of Inuit culture and its traditions. A must for anyone interested in history, culture and the connections that shape our lives today.