E0201: Inuit- Snare

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0201

Classification Category:

4:Tools & Equipment for Materials ➞ Fishing & Trapping Implements

Marks/Labels:

labeled 201 on wood + bone
TAG: "Snare for ground squirrel"

Materials:

animal ➔ bone
botanical ➔ wood
animal ➔ baleen
animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ leather

Dimensions:

7.5 cm L
4.5 cm W

Provenance of Object:

Alaska, U.S.

This object was held in the museum that Luther College started in 1877. This museum eventually grew into the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, and following this, non-Norwegian American ethnographic objects were returned to Luther and accessioned into the college’s Anthropology Collection. Without additional documentation, was likely obtained by the Luther College Museum (later the Norwegian-American Museum) between the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Production Date:

Late 19th Century-Early 20th Century

Use/Function:

Snare made for trapping small animals. This task was usually for women and children.
Bone tube was used to keep the line from tangling. (Phebus, 46) Marmot skins were highly prized for making summer clothing (Nelson, 124).
Snare for trapping small animals, especially marmot (ground squirrel).
-Used in Alaskan exhibit 1 and 2.

Source Locality:

Alaska, USA

Description:

Inuit snare made of baleen, bone, and wood. Used for hunting small animals such as fox or rabbit.

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