Images(2)

Fish-Spear

Date1700-1900

MediumWood, bone, metal

DimensionsObject/Work: 450 x 71 x 25 mm

ClassificationsAgriculture/subsistence

Terms

Object numberC03294

DescriptionHead broken from a fishing spear. The base is made of flattened wood and widens out at the top. There are two pieces of flat bone attached at each of the sides, curving slightly inwards. At the top of each of the bone pieces is an iron barb pointing inwards and curving slightly downwards. Inserted into the centre of the wooden head base is a long, flat, sharpened piece of iron, reaching almost to the point of the nail barbs. This is lashed into place with strips of baleen. The bone strips are held in place with bands of sinew cordage passing through holes drilled into the wood.

Fishing spears of North American peoples usually had multiple puncture points to assist in hunting fast-moving fish. This type of weapon with horizontal points to secure the fish in place was very popular for shallow-water fishing and is known as a "kakivak." This object reveals the influence of Western traders, who were able to provide Inuit with a stable source of metal and wood.
Inuit.

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