E0209: Inuit- Drilling Tools

Ethnographic

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.
Related Collections
Accession: 1996.ETHN62, 1/1/96
Donated by: Unknown
(1996.ETHN62)