E0209: Inuit- Drilling Tools

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0209B

Classification Category:

4:Tools & Equipment for Materials ➞ Woodworking T&E

Marks/Labels:

Tag: "Esquimaux Boring Machine - Nome Alaska" and "Eskimo boreing…?"

Materials:

animal ➔ bone
botanical ➔ wood
animal ➔ ivory

Dimensions:

19 cm L
1 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:

Drilling Tool

Source Locality:

Nome, Alaska, USA

Description:

Inuit drilling tools made of bone, wood, leather, and ivory. The three pieces consist of a mouthpiece, drill, and bow. Used together these tools are able to drill into other objects such as ivory, to create holes. Donated by Rev. T.L. Brevig in 1898.

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