158 Morten P. Porsild. 



information. ТНеге have been forms with square points, with two 

 whorls each consisting of four barbs (see Fig. 27, h, 1); others have had 

 3 — 5 large barbs down along the sides, either all on one side, or 

 divided on two opposite sides. Some have been of bone entirely. 



The second type is much smaller, formed of flat pieces of antler, 

 with a varying number of serial barbs; sometimes, also with an iron 

 blade, (see Fig. 27, h, 2). Fine illustrations of them are to be found 

 also in SwENANDER (Tab. 3, Nos. 119 — 127). They often resemble heavy 

 arrowpoints from which, however, they can be distinguished by having 

 one or more line holes just above the lowest point. 



Both these types of points are certainly very old. Hitherto I have 

 not met anybody who could tell me anything else about those illu- 

 strated here nor of those figured by Swenander but that they were 

 sâgiiaq's for bladder-darts. Whether this difference in the form of the 

 point has been determined by difference in application or purpose 

 cannot, therefore, be shown at present. For such heavy points as the 

 first mentioned type the other parts, shaft, bladder, etc., must also 

 have corresponded, and they may possibly have been used for larger 

 seals. Perhaps we find the explanation of the difference in the size 

 of the types — which otherwise are connected by easy transitions, a& 

 Swenander's illustrations show — in Fabricius's simple statement 

 that large points for the bladder-dart are made for big and strong 

 hunters, smaller points are made for less strong hunters, and very small 

 ones for young people. 



V. Bows and Arrows. 



The bow is the common property of all mankind and is found 

 amongst the aborigines of all climates. The object, use and primi- 

 tive form of the bow is so well known that we need not discuss it, 

 but here it is the solution of our fourth question, how has the qua- 

 lity of the materials and the implements influenced the 

 form? which gives the most interesting result. 



All other uncivilized people live close to, or within, the limit of 

 trees, and no matter of what sort or size the trees may be, they 

 will always be capable of supplying a material adequate to the 

 relatively simple demands made by a bow. But the Eskimo has 

 his home north of the hmit of trees and his own country provides no 

 timber. What he must have for use the ocean must carry to him, or 

 he must make long and costly business journeys to fetch it from hos- 

 tile tribes. The drift-wood from the ocean is most often found only 

 in small pieces, or in stems so cracked that they are fissured through 

 their entire length; it often originates from the most northern outposts 

 of the forest and is often distorted and always of coniferous wood. It 

 has lain in the ocean for a long time, and in addition is required for 



