E0680: Inuit- Harpoon Point

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0680

Classification Category:

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

Materials:

animal ➔ bone
stone/minerals ➔ slate

Dimensions:

7 cm L
2 cm W
1.5 cm H

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:

Brevig Mission, Alaska, USA

Acquisition Date:

January 2 1898

Description:

Inuit harpoon point made of slate and bone. Donated by Rev. T.L. Brevig in 1898.

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