Arctic trophy hunters, tourism and masculinities, 1827-1914

Abstract

Manuscript version. Published version available at <a href=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08003831.2016.1238173> http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08003831.2016.1238173 </a>

Trophy hunting in the Arctic happened in an intersection between tourism, expeditions and hunting.
 This study contributes to a discrete history of masculinity within the context of trophy hunting 
 organized from North Norway and to a broader understanding of Arctic masculinity in general. As 
 trophy hunting expeditions are primarily a male, even masculinist, tourist practice, an analysis 
 from a gender perspective is unavoidable. By taking an empirical approach I investigate different 
 performances of masculinity in written accounts of Arctic trophy-hunting expeditions from the 
 period 1827–1914. The use of masculinity as a pivot demonstrates that a modification of the 
 prevailing perception of Arctic masculinity is necessary. While the general understanding is 
 dominated by an emphasis on physical strength, roughness, ingenuity, restless energy and strong 
 will to self-realization, qualities connected to the traditional values and knowledge of trappers, 
 sailors and explorers, my analysis shows that trophy hunting introduced aristocratic ideals such as 
 gentlemen’s sport, self- discipline, hunting morals, care for nature and distribution of knowledge 
 to their home communities. Trophy hunting in the Arctic made possible performances of different 
 forms of masculinity, not only the conquest and mastery of nature, but also the interest in and 
 care for nature. Women also accompanied as family members and hunters, and women took part in the 
 hunt more often than has
 been commonly noted.