Snow-Shoe

Date1800-1850

MediumWood, string, red felt

ClassificationsCostume

Terms

Object numberC08907

DescriptionModel snow-shoe. The central web is made of red felt and the frame is made of wood. Snow-shoes are a type of footwear used for walking in snow. By spreading a persons weight evenly they prevent them from sinking into the snow.

Small wooden models were most often used as children's toys or sold to tourists when Alaskan and Canadian art became popular collector's items. With the dramatic increase in European exploration to this region in the early 19th century, Inuit began making functionless art for the sole purpose of trade.

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