Drilled barbed lance, from Government of Nunavut Collection, photo courtesy of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Accession Number 995.041.2974.
This antler drilled barbed lance is associated with the Thule / Historic Inuit culture. It was found at the Tungatsivvik site at Peterhead Inlet in Frobisher Bay by archaeologist Doug Stenton at a site designated Borden Number KkDo-3.
Evidence
This antler drilled barbed lance is associated with the Thule / Historic Inuit culture. It was found at the Tungatsivvik site at Peterhead Inlet in Frobisher Bay by archaeologist Doug Stenton at a site designated Borden Number KkDo-3.
Perspective
n/a
Significance
These barbed lances were mostly used for spearing fish and sea mammals. The spear was fitted into a shaft. Inuit would use the strongest and straightest part of the antler at the base. The tapered end fit into the shaft and then the head was lashed to the shaft with sealskin. The tip of the shaft would have been made from antler as well to give it strength.
Copyright 2009 Inuit Heritage Trust