E0684: Inuit- Hunting Qanging

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0684

Classification Category:

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

Marks/Labels:

1964 (19.E.18) at Vesterheim

Materials:

animal ➔ ivory
stone/minerals ➔ black stone

Dimensions:

4 cm L
1.5 cm W
1.5 cm H

Use/Function:

"Other items used during hunting were plugs and qanging. Plugs were used to plug the wounds on a seal made from the harpoon. This would stop the bleeding but also help preserve the animal’s flesh from decay. It was pushed into the wound, under the skin. A qanging is a piece of ivory or bone carved into many different shapes, some resembled seals while others were ‘Y’ shaped. They were used to secure a thong that had been strung through a hole in the seals throat and mouth. This was then used to tie the seal to a buoy or kayak. "- All the Small Things Exhibit.

Source Locality:

Brevig Mission, Alaska, USA

Acquisition Date:

1894 – 1917

Description:

An Inuit hunting qanging made of ivory in the shape of a seal. A qanging is a piece of ivory or bone carved into many different shapes. They were used to secure a thong that had been strung through a hole in the seals throat and mouth. This was then used to tie the seal to a buoy or kayak.

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