E0175: Harpoon Head

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0175

Classification Category:

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

Marks/Labels:

Tag: 175 in ink "Alaskan bone Artifacts gift of W.E. Cremer"

Materials:

animal ➔ bone

Dimensions:

6.5 cm L
1.5 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
"A typical Eskimo harpoon might have a bone or ivory head. To construct this type, a socket was made in the end of the shaft. The point might also have a tip fitted into a slot, sometimes this tip was provided with it's own line." -page 11, Indian and Eskimo Artifacts of North America

Source Locality:

Point Hope, Alaska, USA

Description:

Harpoon head carved from single piece of bone. Donated by W.E.H. Cremer from Point Hope, Alaska.

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