Straight Pick Item Number: A2.447 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Straight pick with a tapered point at each end made from mottled brown walrus tusk (possibly fossilized). Pick is bound to a straight handle of brown walrus baculum with rawhide lashings.

History Of Use

Probably an ice-pick

Narrative

Pierce donated this collection to the UBC Geology Museum in 1932, from which it transferred to the newly-opened Museum of Anthropology in 1948. Michell Pierce put together this collection of examples of Copper Inuit clothing and implements, while working in the area for the Hudson’s Bay Company. Before going to the area, he interviewed Dean Brock and M.Y. Williams about the possibility of collecting for UBC while there. This was the second collection he assembled, as the first was lost when the ship carrying the materials was caught in the ice.