Eye-Shade
Date1800-1850
MediumBone, twine
DimensionsObject/Work: 150 x 30 mm
ClassificationsCostume
Terms
Object numberC02646
DescriptionEye shade of bone with narrow slits for the eyes. From the Collection of Thomas Dawson. The inner ends of the slits have a small amount of red sealing wax, probably added to adjust the amount of light entering to suit the individual who used it.Eye-shades like this had a primarily protective function, reducing the light and snow that could affect the eye while hunting or working outdoors.
The Inuit recognized that certain light levels in an icy, white environment could damage vision over a long period of time or even render an individual temporarily blind. Arctic snow-goggles were developed independently of Western influence, and most used eye-shades and visors to help prevent this loss of sight.
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