Images(3)

Hunting-Spear

Date1700-1900

MediumWood, hide, bone

DimensionsObject/Work: 600 x 42 mm

ClassificationsAgriculture/subsistence

Terms

Object numberC03306A

DescriptionKatteelik or spear. It is made of walrus tooth and pine wood, with long line, for killing whale and walrus. The main section is made of a long shaft of wood, with a very long, heavy skin or hide thong line wrapped around the wooden shaft. Part way down the shaft is a piece of flat bone, with a curved and pointed side. This is probably to aid the grip of the shaft.

All individuals participating in a whale or walrus hunt would typically bring a katteelik and a tiring mechanism such as an attached bladder float. The men would use the katteelik to wound the animal and attach the bladder float, which would add extra weight and drag to its body. This was an effective method of hunting, but also a time-consuming one, and often took hours to accomplish.
Inuit.

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