Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Toggling Harpoon Head
A Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Toggling Harpoon Head Carved of Walrus Ivory in the Form of a Swimming Seal
19th Century
Size: 37.5cm long – 14¾ ins long
19th Century
Size: 37.5cm long – 14¾ ins long
Toggling harpoon heads display an elegance that results from combining art and technology. The heads are fitted with short thong loops to which the float line is attached with a line fastener. Fore-shafts are also attached to the harpoon thong. Until they are ready to be fitted the heads are stored neatly on wooden mounts.
Eskimos living in areas of seasonal ice cover use the toggling harpoon as the hunted animal is held fast and a direct connection to the hunter or to his kayak is made possible. It also makes hunting at seal breathing holes much more effective.
Eskimos living in areas of seasonal ice cover use the toggling harpoon as the hunted animal is held fast and a direct connection to the hunter or to his kayak is made possible. It also makes hunting at seal breathing holes much more effective.
Bering Sea Eskimo Inuit Toggling Harpoon Head
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