Native American Indian artifact from the Fry collection - Eskimo Hook

Collection: Fry

Item Number: Fry0140

Category: Hook - Boat Hook

Region: Arctic

Tribe: Eskimo

Period: 1875-1900

Materials: Wood, walrus ivory and seal hide lashings

Description: Eskimo boat hook with nicely incised walrus ivory hook. The handle is a replacement, the original having been lost at an earlier time. Boat hooks like this were used by Eskimo hunters in kayaks, to assist in landing and leaving icy or rocky shores.

Dimensions: 71"

References:

Smith, J.G.E., Arctic Art; Eskimo Ivory, Museum of the American Indian, New York, 1980, p.37