λ An Inuit ice scratcher

λ An Inuit ice scratcher

Alaska, 19th century

cedar, seal claws, sinew and marine ivory, the handle with a carved seal head terminal having inset bead eyes, the top inset a small rectangular plaque with three dots and a triangle motif, the end with three bound claws,

30.8cm long.

This hunting implement personifies the cunningness of the Inuit hunter. They often disguised themselves or mimicked their prey's behavior or calls. This implement would have been scratched at the ice, making a familiar noise calming the suspicious seal, lulling it back to sleep and allowing the hunters to approach unaware.