Model Harpoon

MOA: University of British Columbia

3202/1

Two model harpoons, lashed together in a cross-shape with a leather thong. Each has a wood handle, squared and thick at top, narrowing toward bottom where the larger one is capped by a small rounded piece of antler. The tops of each hold a pointed rod of tusk attached to the handle by strips of leather that pierce the wood and antler, and are tied off along the shaft. The thongs attaching the harpoons hold small projectile points, one of metal set in antler, the other with both point and body carved of antler.

  • Narrative

    Gigliotti was stationed in Frobisher Bay (now Iqaliut) as a meteorologist from 1952-54. During this period he acquired a small collection of Inuit objects from two Inuit men who were allowed to come out to the station. He was told the objects were from Cape Dorset.


  • Type of Item harpoon
  • Culture Inuit
  • Material wood, antler, metal, skin
  • Measurements height 70.5 cm, width 58.0 cm, depth 11.0 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Tom Gigliotti
  • Received from Tom Gigliotti

  • Made in Cape Dorset, Kinngait
  • Collected in Iqaluit

  • Creation Date before 1954
  • Collection Date between 1952 and 1954
  • Ownership Date before October 1, 2016
  • Acquisition Date on October 1, 2016

  • Condition good
  • Accession Number 3202/0001