Knife, from Government of Nunavut Collection, photo courtesy of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, Accession Number 995.002.071.
This knife has a triangular shaped blade that is double bevelled on each side, hinged to a bone shaft by two rectangular pieces of metal and five metal rivets. There is a hide thong wrapped around the handle. Originating from the Coronation Gulph area, it dates from 1920-1930, based on comparison with other museum collections of historic Copper Inuit.
Evidence
This knife has a triangular shaped blade that is double bevelled on each side, hinged to a bone shaft by two rectangular pieces of metal and five metal rivets. There is a hide thong wrapped around the handle. Originating from the Coronation Gulph area, it dates from 1920-1930, based on comparison with other museum collections of historic Copper Inuit.
Perspective
Inuit were expected to continually improve on what they had. Every person was expected to make life easier for those who would be coming after them. This expectation promoted great innovation amongst Inuit.
Significance
This was called a panaujaq because it was sharp on both sides and was originally how Inuit made panas when metal was first introduced. It was multipurpose and could even be used as an axe because the blade was so durable.
Copyright 2009 Inuit Heritage Trust