Harpoon for seal hunting


William Smith (Contributor)
John F.C. Johnson (Contributor)
Deborah McMullen (Contributor)
Brandon Moonin (Contributor)
William Smith:  The Tyonek people would take trees at low tides and would tie up the qayaqs, and the men would stand up and would spear the seals passing by. So, they dug a big whole at low tide and when the tide comes in and the mammal comes in, it can be speared down, instead of throwing it in the qayaq.

Brandon Moonin:  It is three pieces of wood instead of one continuous one in order to extend your arm longer.

Raymond Eric Clock:  The three pieces of wood would be divided up for travelling.

Deborah McMullen:  For the leather you have to very carefully clean the intestines and take and scrape them without tearing them. I once did it and hit a bump and it tore.

William Smith:  In a Qayaq you are doing everything from a sit-down position, you cannot stand up to use something.

William Smith:  Once you hit it (the seal) you are in for a ride
Measurements: 7 x 280 x 13 cm
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1881 – 1883
Wood
IV A 6136
Hunting Seal
Present