This sledge — collected
by documentary film photographer Robert J. Flaherty — is typical of the
sledges of the eastern Arctic. The runners and cross bars are shaped from driftwood
and lashed together with skin rope. Skin rope allows the sledge to flex with the
uneven ground surface, whereas if the sledge were rigid with metal fasteners the
joins would soon loosen and break.
The runners
are shod with whalebone shoes. To prepare the sled for travel
the hunter will cover the shoes with water to create an ice
surface around 8 mm (1/3 of an inch) thick. The ice cover
is smoothed with a snow knife and polished with a mitten to
lessen friction on the snow. The runners are broadest at the
front of the sledge and tend to press the snow down, allowing
the thinner rear sections to slide over without sinking further.
4.51
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Sledge Made of wood, skin, and bone
From South Baffin Island
Dating to 1910-1914
Robert J. Flaherty Collection, Gift of Sir William Mackenzie HC2362
