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submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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[-] [email protected] 4 points 3 days ago

I’m gonna guess, I think it’s for air to enter so it can be buoyant.

[-] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I've queried ChatGPT to some extent on this, bringing in cross-examples and fact corroboration, and yes-- it seems that the (peculiarly large) chest opening was indeed used to help let air enter the suit before embarking. A key point is that the opening would then be tied off somehow, sealing it up tightly, such that water couldn't enter even if the wearer fell in to the drink.

It's also possible that what looks like the darker, back interior skin of the suit might actually be the back of an extra chamber which of course would exist on the front of the suit, i.e. in front of the wearer's body. Which means that it might alternately function as a storage pouch for useful items, something which personally makes just as much (or more) sense to me.

Finally, the suit is evidently Inupiat or Yup’ik in origin, made from seal or walrus intestine.

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this post was submitted on 23 Jul 2025
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Historical Artifacts

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Just a community for everyone to share artifacts, reconstructions, or replicas for the historically-inclined to admire!

Generally, an artifact should be 100+ years old, but this is a flexible requirement if you find something rare and suitably linked to an era of history, not a strict rule. Anything over 100 is fair game regardless of rarity.

Generally speaking, ruins should go to [email protected]

Illustrations of the past should go to [email protected]

Photos of the past should go to [email protected]

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