Inflator

Date1700-1900

MediumBone

DimensionsObject/Work: 61 mm

ClassificationsMiscellaneous Equipment

Terms

Object numberC04473

DescriptionBone or ivory carved mouth piece for inflating bladders, elaborately carved and decorated with incised lines.

Mouthpieces like this were used for inflating an animal bladder float. The bladder would be attached via line wire to a harpoon and functioned as both a tiring mechanism for sea animals as well as a marker for hunters. The drag created by the inflated bladder would hinder the wounded animal's escape and allow hunters to track its movements even as it tried to flee underwater.

The Cuming family included this object in the section for toys and games, probably misunderstanding its use. The inflatable bladder was traditionally used in England as a joke device, an early form of whoopee cushion.

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