Pronunciation: [hˈakɐpˌɪk] (IPA) 
Hakapik is a tool used by seal hunters to kill seals for their meat and fur. The word "hakapik" is spelled /həˈkæpɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "ha," is pronounced with the "ah" sound as in "father." The "ka" sound is pronounced as in "cat," and the final syllable, "pik," is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "sit" followed by the "k" sound. The spelling of "hakapik" accurately reflects its pronunciation.
A "hakapik" is a traditional hunting tool used primarily in the hunting and harvesting of seals. The term originated from the Inuit language and is commonly used among indigenous communities in the Arctic. It is a specialized instrument designed for efficiency and humanely dispatching seals during hunting expeditions.
Typically, a hakapik consists of a long wooden handle with a spiked metal head attached at one end. The handle is generally made of hardwood for durability and ease of gripping. The metal head features a hammer-like shape on one side and a curved, sharp claw on the other. This claw is specifically designed for holding and delivering a decisive blow to the seal, ensuring minimal suffering and a swift kill.
Hakapiks are used by hunters who approach seals on the ice. The hammer side of the hakapik is used to stun the seal, while the claw side is used to hook or penetrate the skull, effectively ending the animal's life. The tool's design allows for efficient and precise strikes, making it a preferred choice for seal hunting.
Due to its specific purpose, the hakapik has stirred controversy among animal welfare advocates over concern for the perceived cruelty of seal hunting practices. However, supporters of traditional indigenous cultures argue that when used properly, the hakapik is a humane means of harvesting seals for sustenance and cultural traditions.
The word "hakapik" is derived from the Inuktitut language, specifically from the Inupiaq dialect spoken by the Inuit people of the Arctic regions in Canada and Greenland. In Inuktitut, "hakapik" (pronounced ha-ka-pik) means "the tool used to strike" or "the tool for clubbing". It refers to a traditional hunting implement used to kill seals quickly and humanely. The term has been adopted into other languages, such as English and French, to specifically refer to this type of tool.
