AB 1049 A-B, arrow, Inuit, wood, feathers, chert (?), sinew, 69.8 cm x 2.0 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada. AB 295, arrow, Inuit, wood, mammal bone, feathers, linen, lead, 67.5 cm x 3.6 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada. AB 296, fishing arrow, Inuit, wood, feathers, linen, bone, copper, 78.8 cm x 4.0 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada. AB 105, arrow shaft, Inuit, bone, wood, feathers, cotton, ivory, sinew, 89 cm x 5 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada.
Inuit spear and arrows.
Evidence
The spears with the jagged ends would have been use for fish. The ones here have detachable heads made of ivory and metal. There is also a spear with stone blade may have been used for caribou or other land animals. The one with a harpoon head (3rd from left) was probably used for beluga or large seals.
Perspective
n/a
Significance
The line on these spears is braided sinew using four lines to braid rather than three. This makes a very strong line that stretches but does not snap. The shafts are made from both wood or bone.
Copyright 2009 Inuit Heritage Trust