Toggling Harpoon Head Item Number: Na1128 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Degraded ivory tapering harpoon head with open rectangular socket at curved base with side to right of socket tapering to a point. Small diagonal slots on both sides of open socket are close together on opposite side. Line hole above socket; terminal blade end is broken with one side missing and part of one side of second also missing. Remnants of curvilinear designs terminating in small deeply drilled holes. Base is grey.
History Of Use
Toggling harpoons are used to hunt large sea mammals because they penetrate beneath the hide and the blubber, thus securing the catch.
Cultural Context
sea mammal hunting
Item History
- Made in Alaska, USA during 750
- Owned by Marianne Koerner and Walter C. Koerner before January 8, 1981
- Received from Marianne Koerner (Donor) and Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on January 8, 1981
What
- Name
- Toggling Harpoon Head
- Identification Number
- Na1128
- Type of Item
- harpoon head
- Material
- walrus tusk
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, drilled and incised
- Overall
- height 9.5 cm, width 2.0 cm, depth 1.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Inuit
- Previous Owner
- Marianne Koerner and Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Marianne Koerner (Donor) and Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Alaska, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 750
- Ownership Date
- before January 8, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on January 8, 1981
Other
- Condition
- poor
- Current Location
- Case 47
- Accession Number
- 0697/0049