E0174: Harpoon Head

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0174

Classification Category:

4:Tools & Equipment for Materials ➞ Fishing & Trapping T&E

Marks/Labels:

174- in black on bottom, Tag: "Alaskan Bone Artifacts Gift of W.E. Cremer" used in mother waters when the tension on the line is not as great" (Fitzhugh and Kaplan, 67).

Materials:

animal ➔ bone

Dimensions:

19.5 cm L
2 cm W

Use/Function:

"The harpoon was an invaluable weapon to hunt animals such as seals. Harpoons were designed to pivot sideways upon entering the prey, holding onto the animal while it was pulled towards the hunter. The size of the harpoon head varied depending on what was being hunted. While hunting from a kayak the harpoon head would often be larger than if they were hunting from the ice."- EXH 2015.03 All The Small Things

Source Locality:

Point Hope, Alaska, USA

Description:

Bone harpoon point with two barbs on each side. Donated by W.E.H. Cremer from Point Hope, Alaska.

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