The Inuit people of the Canadian Arctic (formerly known as Eskimos) have survived for generations by hunting and trapping animals, making all the equipment they needed by hand. The skills they use to produce objects such as knives and spears have been adapted for distinctive art and craft work.

Now more than 100 sculptures, prints and artifacts, dating from the 19th century to the present day, feature in From Eskimo to Inuit, which shows how Inuit life has evolved. It is the first travelling exhibition from the Narwhal Inuit Art Education Foundation, a London-based charity for advancing education in all aspects of Inuit life. The show, funded by the Canadian High Commission, was launched at the Iona Gallery in Kingussie last month and, following its stay at Inverness, will travel to Thurso and Wick.

Inuit art generally reflects what goes on in everyday life and is executed using simple lines, shapes and colours. The exhibits include a delightful stencil print entitled “Two rooms inside an igloo” (1982) and pocket-size sculptures of igloos and Arctic animals, such as a polar bear made from caribou bone. Other examples of Inuit craft are a large costume doll and functional objects, such as a bucket made from scraped caribou skin and a pair of caribou horn snow goggles.

David Douglas, principal teacher of art at Kingussie High, says the school’s S1-S4 pupils thoroughly enjoyed the show. “We see three or four exhibitions a year. Normally, each pupil picks out a work they like or find interesting and one they don’t like so much. Then we discuss them and the different responses to them. That’s what we did with this show.

“We also discussed the way that art and design seem to be a part of everyday life in Inuit culture.”

Alda Munro, of Kingussie Primary, took her P7 class with visiting American trainee teacher Miranda Maurer. “All of us were particularly drawn to the sculptures, which looked so smooth you wanted to touch them,” she says. “We were also amazed by the resourcefulness of the Inuit.

“The children were really inspired by the exhibition and Miranda will be helping them to produce their own art work as part of a topic that includes how people have to adapt to survive.”

Deedee Cuddihy Tour dates: Swanson Gallery, Thurso, January 11-February 9; St Fergus Gallery, Wick, February 15-March 15Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, tel 01463 237114Narwhal Inuit Art Education Foundation, www.NIAEF.com