Iñupiaq
Bow Drill Set
Inuit, 1867-1899
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Iñupiaq
Bow Drill Set
Inuit, 1867-1899
Physical Qualities
Wood, walrus ivory, hide, copper alloy, iron, a: (bow) 32 cm. h; b: (chin piece) 9 cm. h; c: (drill) 21 cm. h
Credit Line
John Erikson Collection
Object Number
1955.167.4a-c
This bow drill depicting a kayak expedition was an essential tool for lighting fires and carving. Carving was often a group activity tied to storytelling; while carving, male Elders taught younger men about topics like animals, weather, and hunting techniques. To operate the bow drill, the carver wrapped the hide cord around the wooden shaft and positioned the drill bit on the object being carved. The other end rested in a mouthpiece gripped between the carver’s teeth. When the bow moved side to side, the shaft rotated to create the carvings.
Purchased by John Erikson in Alaska ca. 1900
Arctic Artistry
William Fitzhugh, "Inua: Spirit World of the Bering Sea Eskimo," Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1982, pp. 169, 256, ill. 205, 313.
E. Keithhahn, "Native Alaskan Art in the State Historical Museum," Juneau, Alaska, Juneau, 1959, ill. A-12, A-10, A-16.
J.G.E. Smith, "Arctic Art: Eskimo Ivory," Museum of the American Indian, 1980.
William W. Fitzhugh and Aron Crowell, "Crossroads of Continents: Cultures of Siberia and Alaska," Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988, p. 193.
Wm. Strutevant, ed., "Handbook of North American Indians," V. 5: "Arctic," (D. Damas, volume ed.), Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1984, pp. 156, 307.
"Masterpieces of Indian and Eskimo Art from Canada," Musee de l'homme, Paris, 1969-1970.
Henry B. Collins, et al., "The Far North: 2000 Years of American Indian and Eskimo Art," Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1977, pp. 88, 89.
"Native Arts of the Pacific Northwest," Portland Art Museum, California, 1949, ill. 168, 169, 170.
"The World of the American Indian," Washington: National Geographic Society, 1974.
E. Keithhahn, "Native Alaskan Art in the State Historical Museum," Juneau, Alaska, Juneau, 1959, ill. A-12, A-10, A-16.
J.G.E. Smith, "Arctic Art: Eskimo Ivory," Museum of the American Indian, 1980.
William W. Fitzhugh and Aron Crowell, "Crossroads of Continents: Cultures of Siberia and Alaska," Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988, p. 193.
Wm. Strutevant, ed., "Handbook of North American Indians," V. 5: "Arctic," (D. Damas, volume ed.), Washington: Smithsonian Institution, 1984, pp. 156, 307.
"Masterpieces of Indian and Eskimo Art from Canada," Musee de l'homme, Paris, 1969-1970.
Henry B. Collins, et al., "The Far North: 2000 Years of American Indian and Eskimo Art," Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1977, pp. 88, 89.
"Native Arts of the Pacific Northwest," Portland Art Museum, California, 1949, ill. 168, 169, 170.
"The World of the American Indian," Washington: National Geographic Society, 1974.
Inscribed: a) white label with red border, black ink: '18'; c) white label with red border, red ink, BMA receipt number: '3245-10-c'
