Harpoon

The primary weapon for capturing sea mammals was the harpoon and sealskin float. The harpoon rested on the side-deck with the harpoon head pointing to the stern. The sealskin line joining the harpoon head to the float was coiled on the harpoon-line rack just in front of the cockpit.

To throw, the kayaker rotated the harpoon so that it pointed forward. On striking the animal, the harpoon head released and the wood shaft floated free. The float was thrown into the water and as the animal dived the rope uncoiled from the rack. The tension created by the float rotated the harpoon head, firmly anchoring it within the animal.