Collection: Fry

Item Number: Fry0193

Category: Atlatl

Region: Arctic

Tribe: Eskimo

Period: 1875-1900

Materials: Wood with walrus ivory pins

Description: Atlatls like these, were utilized by Eskimo hunters usually while seated in a kayak. The atlatl provided added leverage as darts or ñatlatl dartsî were thrown toward prey. The larger atlatl has two ivory pins for finger rests and an inset ivory piece to support the dart itself. The atlatl has non native initials carved in the groove where the dart would be placed, FDJH. The smaller of the two atlatls has an ivory hook pinned in place to support the dart while it is being projected forward. Both examples are shaped to fit the hand of the user. Both are of the style found in Northwest Alaska.

Dimensions: 18" and 15"

Provenance:

Christeen Heller, Fairbanks, Alaska (larger atlatl)
Earl Duncan, Denver, Colorado (smaller atlatl).

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