AB 406, harpoon head, Inuit, bone, copper, 24.5 cm x 2.1 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada. AB 407, harpoon head, Inuit, antler, copper, 26 cm x 2.4 cm, Collection of Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Canada.
Inuit harpoon heads
Evidence
These are native copper-tipped spears. These weapons were used for killing large animals. The walrus bone shaft would have been fitted into a larger shaft to give force for throwing.
Perspective
n/a
Significance
Native copper was an important trade item because copper was easy to fashion and was the most accessible metal available to Inuit. Iron was also available in some places- mainly Baffin Island.
Copyright 2009 Inuit Heritage Trust