E0203: Inuit- Fishing Net

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0203

Classification Category:

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

Marks/Labels:

TAG" Esquimaux fish net used in Smelt fishing, Nome Alaska" {1994-wood is cracked}

Materials:

animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ leather
botanical ➔ wood

Dimensions:

44 cm W

Provenance of Object:

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.

Use/Function:

Brevig Book: Pg. 170-171 “We drew in about twenty-five hundred pounds of (Tom) Cod. All this was one draft with a drag net. All hands at the station were called out to help hold and haul in the net. In fact we were compelled to let some fish out, lest the nets break.”

Source Locality:

Nome, Alaska, USA

Description:

Inuit woven net made of wood and leather. Used specifically for smelt fishing in Nome, Alaska.

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