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| St. Johns, Newfoundland (www.vale.com) |
Newfoundland is an eastern seaside province located in Canada. The province has a long history of human
occupation by Aboriginal groups, including the Inuit and Miawpukek, but
Europeans came to the region in the 16th century in order to take
advantage of its natural resources, specifically maritime resources. Newfoundland is currently home to a
syncretic mix of languages and cultures that have English, Irish, French, and
Aboriginal roots. One of the things that
all of these groups have in common is a strong tie to the maritime resources
that are native to the region, specifically fish and seal resources.
Aboriginal groups that have resided in the region for
centuries have a long history of utilizing seal and marine resources. Seal meat is high in essential vitamins and
minerals that enabled Aboriginal individuals to survive in a very inhospitable
environment where resources, specifically food, are scarce. Consumption of seal meat is associated with
staving off malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, allowing the Inuit in
particular to not just survive but thrive in the region.
European groups began to exploit the region for its
abundance of cod in the 16th and 17th centuries. While the terrain & resources were
completely foreign to their typical and familiar life ways European settlers adapted
to their environment, adopting seal and various fish as a part of their diets
and culturally adapting to their environment.
Permanent settlements cropped up in the 19th century, and the
heart of developing and evolving cultures was and continues to be largely based
in maritime resources and economy. Maritime fishing, trapping, and hunting have
been a large part of Newfoundland economy and culture, although this importance
has waned in recent years due to numerous factors. Modernization, tourism, and the collapse of
the fishing industry have taken their toll on Newfoundland maritime economies,
but the one resource that has remained plentiful is seal.
Seal hunting and trapping has and continues to be a focal
point in Newfoundland economic practices and culture. Seal was an integral export for European
settlers. Seal fat was popularly utilized
as oil in lamps and their pelts were utilized for various reasons. All parts of the seal could be and were
exported, except for the flipper. Seal
flipper, as a result, was incorporated into the local diet and seal flipper pie
was created as a means to two ends: first, not to waste any part of the seal
and to feed a population that did not have many resources, particularly
nutritional resources, available to them.
Seal flipper pie eventually became a staple of diets of Catholics and
Christians who practice Lent, a religious period where practitioners are
required to abstain from the consumption of certain foods, as well as the
Easter holiday.
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| Seal Flipper Pie (www.smithsonianmag.com) |
Seal hunting continues in Newfoundland, although it is
poorly understood by outsiders.
Newfoundlanders take pride in the seal hunts as it is an important part
of their culture and history. Seal hunts
are regulated by the Canadian government, but due to the long history and rich
traditions associated with seal hunting and trapping many Newfoundlanders are
aware and vigilant about their hunting and trapping practices. They recognize that the key to continuing
this practice is sustainable hunting practices, and much of what they have
always practiced is just that: sustainable.
In fact, studies demonstrate that these hunting practices may be too
sustainable as the seal populations in the region have multiplied, not divided
as many opponents claim.
Newfoundland people and cultures are unique and the result
of syncretism of peoples and groups that have settled and continue to reside in
the area. The construction of these
cultures demonstrates the effects of environment and how it guides cultural
evolution. Newfoundland people and
cultures have changed throughout time and continue to do so as situations
change and affect their life ways, but the uniqueness of Newfoundland people
will probably always remain.
References
Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage. N.D. “Society & Culture.” Newfoundland and Labrador
Heritage website.
Smith, K.A. 2013. “On
the Menu This Easter in Newfoundland: Seal Flipper Pie” Smithsonian Magazine Online. Authors note: Title means: A good wish for the future. Source: http://joebattsarm.ca/phrases.htm
28 comments:
Would I, as an outsider be able to go to Newfoundland and hunt seal? I'd assume that if so I would need a certain license or tag of some sort. In reality I am pretty curious as to what seal fin tastes like. -Brandon Boyd
I'm not sure if seal hunting is a solely commercial endeavor or if it can be done by an individual (similar to American hunting licenses for deer or ducks). It never came up in my conversations with my Newfie friends. As for what seal flipper tastes like, I can answer that one: salty. Incredibly salty.
It reminded me of the United States and Its beginning. If the settlers practice sustainability then most of the buffalo population would probably still existed today. I'm glad that the Newfoundland people still practice something from their culture. It becomes a shame when some cultures lose traditions that were passed on through generations. For example, some cultures are not practicing shamanism anymore if we were to practice some shamanism, it would change modern medicine as we know it
Actually, pharmaceutical companies and many chemists, including some at UNR, are looking into natural remedies and how specifically they aid in treatment of ailments and disease. They're trying to isolate the natural chemical compounds in order to derive natural medicines and hopefully more effective medicines. So a type of shamanistic medicine still exists today, although shamanism in general is a very complex practice that is poorly understood by many modern people.
Anthropology 102: 1002
Great read! I can't say I've ever tried seal before and the idea of it kind of grosses me out. It just seems like they would be more fat than anything else.
There is a bit of fat on seals, but they also need to have and do indeed have quite a bit of muscle tissue on them. The seal fat has been used in the past, and I'm assuming it's still used today, although I'm not sure in what capacities.
I am sure that to outsiders the seal hunt may seem somewhat politically incorrect in today's society. However, the hunt is an integral part of the Newfoundland culture, and the people who engage in the practice because it is their heritage. It is admirable that these people use every part of the seal so that there is no waste. Every part of the animal has a purpose and sustains this group both economically and culturally.
Courteney Hedicke, Anth 101
I do not like it how new founders have to kill seals just to get there meat. I think there should be something to end this. Consuming seat meat for vitamins and protein, well cant they get that from something else, instead of killing in accent animals.
Briana banuelos
Anth 102 Tu Thur
Seals are quite plentiful in the area, and the seal hunts are regulated to keep the populations strong. These seal hunts also regulate the populations and keep them at levels where they will not become overpopulated and therefore die from starvation. Also, it is important to realize that like many northern territories and provinces in Canada trying to get other resources to the people in those areas (e.g. food) is extremely difficult, and ultimately the prices of said resources is very high and is not beneficial to the people. For example, Indigenous populations in the Northwest Territories are paying $28 for cabbage & $65 for chicken. Why? Because the cost of shipping those goods to them is so high.
Furthermore, you have to remember the lesson from the cultural relativism post that you commented on a little while ago. You do not necessarily have to agree with the seal hunts, but many people disagree vehemently with the mustang and wild burro round ups that occur here. These round ups occur because the mustang populations get too large and cannot survive in the environment unless they are removed. They would also destroy the natural environment, which is detrimental to the agricultural economy of northern Nevada residents. Many outsiders do not realize the effects of the round ups and what would happen if they stop. Those outsiders merely see mustangs and burros being displaced. So understanding the motivations behind cultural practices, particularly those which we find bizarre or taboo, helps us understand them and eventually respect them. We do not have to agree to them but that's why it is called "respectfully disagreeing".
I have never heard of seal fin pie and I, being a non-meat eater will never be tasting it. I would however, like to visit. It looks amazing, beautiful and very pristine. They should be a proud people taking control of their heritage and responsibility for its continuation and not taking or letting others take advantage of the opportunity to hunt seal. I do believe it is illegal in the united states, but not real sure. nikki meeko
It's interesting that the Inuit use the seal in so many ways. It goes to show how resourceful you need to be to survive in adverse situations. They have many uses for the seal.
Terrance Williams
Anth 101 Tue & Thurs
This is all very interesting, I wouldn't mind trying seal fin pie.
I hope you like salty foods because I recall regular seal fin being quite salty. :)
Heritage & culture are disappearing globally. We all are becoming more similar in many ways. I don't find the idea of seal fin pie as appetizing. In Mexico, I really like a certain type of taco. I may not have eaten the taco if I new it was made from cow brains. However, I've learned to try new food dishes & many are very tasty.
(MAX).
I honestly didn't realize this was still a common practice. My naiveté made me believe that seal hunting was primarily done in the arctic, and by Inuit populations and I've always found myself horrified due to the propaganda I've been presented with of clubbing the sweet, furry babies. As long as the practice is done in a way that allows for sustainability, why scoff at a culture for cultivating a natural resource? Thank you for the insight. As another commenter mentioned, I'm interested to taste seal fin pie, although your response to how salty it is makes the idea a little daunting. Thank you for the insight.
Katherine Smailes
Anthropology 101 Summer 2015
I find this very interesting. Where I am not sure that seal would be to my taste I believe in trying different kinds of foods. I believe our American culture has evolved to one with a lot of waste as far as food is concerned. It is of my opinion that if you kill an animal you should try to use all parts of it. We need to listen to our Fish and Game Departments in order to control and maintain populations and people need to learn to respect that. This was a very interesting post. Thank You
I would enjoy going on a seal hunt. I absolutely love fishing, especially deep-sea. I caught an 85 pound Sailfish in Ixtapa, Mexico a couple years ago and it was a blast! My dad, however got sea sick but I laughed at that too. I am also obsessed with the show, Deadliest Catch. Seal hunting sounds like something I would be very interested it. I need a trip to Newfoundland!
Thanks for the post
Zachary Forrester
anthro 101 3001 summer
This display of rich culture in a modernized society is rare. To keep such traditions maintains pride in one's culture and keeps an open line between the past and present.
Seal hunting being misunderstood by outsiders could not be more accurate i could not ever imagine consuming seal flipper pie in a million years, but to each there own i suppose.
Jordan R
Seal hunting seems very odd and is probably seen as not right in the US I do not think that I could do seal hunting as they are more of a cute performing type of animal. I think it might be pretty interesting to know what it taste like, but it seems very weird to do that. Its cool seeing how different other cultures are seeing their normal actions and how they differ in the US.
I feel I have been a little too closed minded when it comes to certain animals that people eat. I had no idea that people eat seal. I knew they used parts of the seal for things such as oil. What I liked about learning of this culture is that that is seems they do not waste parts of the seal. I always am against killing animals if people are not going to use everything they can off the animal.
Leslie Milton
Anthropology 101
Course 3001
I didn't know people hunt Seals, but I guess people will hunt just about anything. I would say I might have to pass on eating that.
Aaliyah Caldwell
I feel like, like the seal hunting of Newfoundland, many culture's traditions are misunderstood and underappreciated. Traditions bring a sense of pride and closeness to one's ancestors. They also can cause good memories in a person. To treat someone else's tradition frivolously can be seen as rude and hurtful.
with having strong maritime resources in the Netherlands could you see any states in the U.S. having these kind of connections and with shared languages do you see the bordering corner states like Washington, California, Florida or New Hampshire and the Northeastern states combining shared languages between there people ?
Actually, that is beyond the scope of my current expertise, and I recommend you ask one of LU's excellent History faculty members or look into the matter yourself. :)
Tiffany Heavens
- Seal hunting is very unique to their culture and although I do not understand it I think it sort of cool in a way. A seal flipper pie does not sound appealing to my stomach.
I would have never thought of seals to be a meal, but if I find myself in the country I will have to give it a try!
I find it interesting that Seal meat is high in essential vitamins and minerals. I don't see anything wrong with how they have to get their food because it is similar to how we survive. We kill animals to get the proteins we need from meat the only difference is the kind of animals that we are killing.
-Apre'shana Page
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