East Greenland harpoon. Part a is a long, straight, wooden shaft, squared at the bottom where it is capped with a cut square of tusk, and narrowing along its length toward the tip. At the shaft’s midpoint several holes are bored into the wood, in which are inserted a hook and nubs of bone. The harpoon’s head is made from carved narwhal tusk, its shape long and rounded, thicker through middle and narrowing at end where a small piece is attached. Part b is an intricately designed throwing board. The board is rectangular, thin in profile, and concave on its underside. The base is wide, narrowing to tip where a shaped piece of bone is inset. Along the board’s upper surface are nailed 41 tiny seals carved from bone. Narrow strips of bone line the edges. The throwing board has three holes along the body that allow it to attach to the harpoon shaft by the nubs and hook.

Harpoon. Long wooden shank has a large notch in butt. Top holds a long metal blade, thin in profile, tapering to a sharp point. Blade is rusted.

Harpoon. Part a is a partial wooden shaft that curves slightly along its length, with a squared base at bottom. Head is carved of walrus tusk and tapers to a point, with carved rings at neck, attached to the shaft with hide ties. Part b is the bottom element of the shaft, also made of wood, straight and slightly squared along the length and tapering at butt. Top has an inset square of tusk, with several short hide ties piercing the wood just below. Several small holes are bored into the shaft of parts a and b, some with nubs of tusk emerging. A necessary piece connecting parts a and b is missing.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.