« A European-derived spinning top of birchwood from the Barren Ground band is wrapped with a narrow strip of tanned caribou skin at the pointed end (fig. 32h). Like some other Montagnais "toys," including the toy bow and arrow described in the section on subsistence, this one was used in divination games as well as being an amusement for children. Spectators were asked to express "wishes" and the individual indicated by the top when it stopped spinning would receive his or her wish (Speck, 1930, p. 433). » 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 32h (p.60).

Gift of Dr. John H. Finney