R91.3 A-C, sewing kit, Inuit, copper, sinew, bone, sealskin, 9.8 cm x 1.8 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada. R2380.199 a-e, needle case and contents, Inuit, bone, copper, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada.
Inuit needle case sewing kit.
Evidence
These ivory needle cases contain copper needles stored in pieces of skin, and thimbles. These are pulled in and out of the case by an ivory blade that also can be used to attach the case to a woman’s amauti so that it is always close at hand. There is also an awl pictured here.
Perspective
n/a
Significance
The end of the dislocating shaft is pushed into the flesh. It will dislocate and by pulling on the leather strap/handle, the hunter can secure the animal. The know at the top of the handle can be used to secure to a longer rope giving better leverage for hauling up the animal. The designs on the end may indicate the number of kills or may be a personal identifying mark.
Copyright 2009 Inuit Heritage Trust