« The consulting of oracles so as to determine where and when to hunt and to know the future with reference to the weather, illness, and personal matters was extremely important to the Lake St. John Montagnais. It is a subject that has been discussed in considerable detail by Speck (1935, pp. 138-147). A more recent discussion of the subject, with a different interpretation, is found in Tanner (1979, ch. 6). » Vanstone, James W. "The Speck Collection of Montagnais Material Culture from the Lower St. Lawrence Drainage, Quebec." Fieldiana. Anthropology. New Series, No. 5 (October 29, 1982), p.19. « Scapulimancy with the bones of a variety of animals, especially beaver and hare, along with the three examples of burned scapulae in the collection, apparently those of sheep, are described and illustrated by Speck (1935, pp. 144-145). These scapulae were burned and interpreted by an informant at Speck's request. The pattern of lines on the first scapula (fig. 32b) were said to denote the approach of trouble; those on the second (fig. 32a), the return of good fortune after bad luck; and the third (fig. 32c) a sign of good luck in the form of monetary gain. The latter two scapulae have broken in the burned areas since they were illustrated by Speck (1935, p. 145, fig. 14b-c). » Vanstone, James W. "The Speck Collection of Montagnais Material Culture from the Lower St. Lawrence Drainage, Quebec." Fieldiana. Anthropology. New Series, No. 5 (October 29, 1982), p.19, fig 32b (p.60).

A smooth tear-drop shaped axe-head, carved from a dark blue-grey stone. The blade edge is slightly jagged, while the outer edges are smooth like the rest of its surface. There are also patches of light grey within the stone.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Purchase: Indian Collection Subscription Fund, Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art.

Large ceremonial jade sword blade. Handle is square, with a hole bored through at centre. The blade is slightly wider than the handle, with a straight spine and curved edge that meet at a sharp tip. Bolster is decorated with incised crosshatched diamonds on both sides, while edge has an incised, decorative line from heal to tip.

THE THOMPSON INDIANS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. TEIT, JAMES MEMOIRS, 2, 1900