[MPl.EMENTS USED 



■(EAL HUNTING. 



491 



are not found iu the modem ones. Probably these served for hold- 

 ing the harpoon head to the shaft by means of a thin line, in order to 

 prevent the head from coming off before the seal or walrus was 

 struck. These holes are similar to the ones shown in Figs. 395 and 4:30. 



Fig. 433. Ancient 



The harpoon line (alirn) is attached to the tokang in the same way 

 as the iparang is to the naulang. When it is fastened to the igimang. 

 the bend of the tusk facilitates the disengagement of the harpoon 

 head, which turns its back to that of the tusk. Attached to the line 

 at the level of the ivory knob which has been mentioned is the teliq- 

 bing (Fig. 424), into the hole of which the knob fits closely. As the 

 line from the tokang to the teliqbing is just long enough to allow it 

 to be pulled down far enough to reach the knob, it holds shaft and 

 head firmly together so long as the tusk remains in its position. As 

 soon as a lateral strain is put upon the tusk the ilistaiicr between the 

 head and the knob is diminished and the telii|liiiii; slips oft', thus 

 disengaging the line with the harpoon head fmni the shaft. Some- 

 times the teliqbing has two holes, one being used when the line is wet 

 and longer, the other when it is dry and shorter. 



