Discussion of Weaponry, Tools, and Cultural Practices Related to Warfare, Hunting, and Trade

Creators and Contributors Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Chugachmiut (Contributor)
Brandon Moonin (Contributor)
John F.C. Johnson (Contributor)

Summary Hauke Ziessler discusses a spear tip, noting that the portion where the tip was glued is housed in the archive. John Johnson discusses the uses and durability of a greenstone awl and elaborates on the spear tip’s function. Bill Smith comments that greenstone could only be polished with other equally durable stones. Johnson reflects on Montague Island and its warriors, explaining that they enslaved others to grind stone tools. He also notes Tlingit influence on goat horn spoons and describes the nutritional use of tree bark, removed using scrapers, as a source of food and Vitamin C. Johnson further discusses the strength of kelp used as rope, the ceremonial use of a copper knife, and a wooden knife possibly modeled on it. John Johnson and Brandon Moonin discuss Nuchek hunters who notched their hunting tools to mark successful hunts. Brandon Moonin identifies a possible break point on an artifact and shows how a spear would have fit into an atlatl and how a stomach float might have been attached. Johnson recounts Captain Cook’s trade with Chugach people in English Bay, including the acquisition of a complete armor plate, and details intertribal warfare, particularly with the Tlingit. Moonin also explains that harpoons were used for large sea mammals, while bows and arrows were reserved for smaller game.