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Home >> From 1867 to Present Day >> Economics & Resources >> Artifacts

The growth and success of the fur trade depended on the men and women of the First Nations and Métis Nation, while the competition between the HBC and the Northwest Company would forge a new era.


Image 1
 
 
Creator: Central Arctic; Inuit; Nunavut
Year made: Early 20th Century
Dimensions: 146 cm long; 3.5 cm wide
Location: The Manitoba Museum; Artifact HBC 2413 A
Copyright Holder: The Manitoba Museum


(M17) Inuit Bow

Sinew-backed bow constructed from wood, braided sinew, sealskin, copper rivets and bone. The stave of the bow was made from three pieces of spruce that were carefully carved and joined together with hide and sinew binding.

A back lashing of braided sinew was used to strengthen the bow, since dry spruce wood broke easily when bent. The bow string was made from finely braided sinew.

Other Related Material
Read more about hunting - enter 'hunting' in the search box to your left.

See an arrow crafted by the Blackfoot.

Check the Beaver Index - e.g., Montagnais Cross-Bows, by J. Allan Burgesse, December 1953.

Did You Know?
Bows and arrows were used primarily for hunting caribou and muskox. Simpler bows were used in pursuit of smaller animals and birds such as ptarmigan. The bow was carried in a hide case, usually made from sealskin or caribou hide.

A smaller case or arrow quiver was attached to the bow case. In addition, a pouch that served as a kit for tools associated with the maintenance of bows and arrows was included. The Inuit produced a variety of arrows, depending on locally available resources and the type of animal to be hunted.

Arrow points were made from bone, antler, stone and, in some areas, local copper. After contact with Europeans, points were also fashioned from metal. Today, the high-powered rifle has replaced the bow and arrow.