Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend
On view October 22–January 8
The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend in Inuit society and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. The Smithsonian traveling exhibition Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend dives deep into the narwhal’s Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition reveals how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with scientific research, heighten our understanding of these animals—and our changing global climate.
Narwhals only live near the Arctic Circle, in the icy waters spanning Northern Canada, Greenland, and Russia (heighted here in pink). Image credit: Smithsonian Institution
The tusk’s purpose has long been a subject of intense speculation with hypotheses from spearing fish to defending from predators to vying for a mate. Researchers are investigating multiple functions of the narwhal’s tusk. Image credit: Glenn Williams, Narwhal Tusk Research
Working quickly and carefully, researchers attach a satellite transmitter to a narwhal’s dorsal ridge. Once released, they will track the narwhal for up to 300 days capturing data about migration, diving behavior, water temperature. Image credit: Pete Ewins, WWF-Canada
Narwhals feature prominently in modern Inuit artists’ work, in mediums ranging from carving and sculpture to printmaking and drawing. Tim Pitsiulak based this lithograph on his observations of the narwhal. Image credit: Allangua (Narwhal), 2016. Tim Pitsiulak
Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend was developed by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
Activities & Special Programming
-
Test your knowledge and learn more about teeth, tusks, and how animals use them at a new hands-on gallery cart, Tooth vs Tusk.
-
Take a closer look at the narwhal’s Arctic neighbors with special specimens, such as a walrus skull, polar bear skull, and bowhead whale baleen, on display in the Touch & See Lab.
Related Programs
-
Scary Science: Mysteries of the Deep
October 20–October 30From the depths of the ocean to the depths of space, explore the Scary Science to be found in the deep.
-
Film Screening and Discussion: “Inhabitants: Indigenous Perspectives on Restoring Our World”
November 30, 7–9pmJoin us for a film screening and discussion led by Mike Dockry, Assistant Professor in Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota.
-
Heart and Solstice
December 16–December 31The winter solstice is the shortest day of sunlight in our hemisphere. Take heart and celebrate the season with the Bell Museum!