Inuit Adze or Tool ?

drac2k · 23rd August 2025, 08:28 PM

I recently procured some items that were listed as "Inuit Root Diggers," and that made sense, however when I got the items, they were quite large, especially the Adze.I haven't seen( my knowledge on this subject is even more limited than that on others), any Eskimo implements this large and as such I was wondering if they could belong to any other group of people?
They seem to be made of whale or walrus bone.
The largest piece measures 20" x 4".

Rick · 25th August 2025, 04:14 AM

I can't figure out why the fish bone part has so many cuts and holes, perhaps it's a multi-use tool which would make sense in a semi nomadic culture in the time period it came from.

It looks very very old.

drac2k · 25th August 2025, 01:29 PM

My theory is that there was a wooden haft that went through the middle of the heavy hoe shaped implement and that it was lashed onto the shaft, through the cleat, pulling it down, locking it to the handle and securing it against any downward strikes.This is just my guess, not based on anything.
The only hole that goes all the way through is the one for the handle.

Tim Simmons · 25th August 2025, 02:07 PM

If you can tell if they are bone and not ivory they could be from Tierra del Fuego. The side lashing I believe is more of a South American method rather than Inuit. Just a suggest no expert. They are a rather cool collection of artifact and if from Tierra del Fuego I would think them rather rare too. Inuit ice axes.

drac2k · 25th August 2025, 07:14 PM

From my view,I definitely believe them to be bone.The lashing looks like it could work on my piece, the only exception is that my implement has a provision for a haft to be inserted inside it whereas the examples you provided,I believe are laid on top of the handle and lashed onto it.

Rick · Yesterday, 12:51 AM

I think Drac's item is Walrus Ivory. I only used Fish Bone as a euphemism for the material. If you look at the end that is narrower, where it is cut, you can see the dentine core of the tusk.

drac2k · Yesterday, 03:08 AM

Rick, are you talking about the smaller piece or both of them?

23rd August 2025, 08:28 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,279	Inuit Adze or Tool ? I recently procured some items that were listed as "Inuit Root Diggers," and that made sense, however when I got the items, they were quite large, especially the Adze.I haven't seen( my knowledge on this subject is even more limited than that on others), any Eskimo implements this large and as such I was wondering if they could belong to any other group of people? They seem to be made of whale or walrus bone. The largest piece measures 20" x 4". Attached Images

25th August 2025, 02:07 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,884	If you can tell if they are bone and not ivory they could be from Tierra del Fuego. The side lashing I believe is more of a South American method rather than Inuit. Just a suggest no expert. They are a rather cool collection of artifact and if from Tierra del Fuego I would think them rather rare too. Inuit ice axes. Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 25th August 2025 at 02:26 PM. Reason: Spelling

Yesterday, 12:51 AM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,352	I think Drac's item is Walrus Ivory. I only used Fish Bone as a euphemism for the material. If you look at the end that is narrower, where it is cut, you can see the dentine core of the tusk. Last edited by Rick; Yesterday at 01:03 AM.

25th August 2025, 04:14 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,352	I can't figure out why the fish bone part has so many cuts and holes, perhaps it's a multi-use tool which would make sense in a semi nomadic culture in the time period it came from. It looks very very old.

25th August 2025, 01:29 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,279	My theory is that there was a wooden haft that went through the middle of the heavy hoe shaped implement and that it was lashed onto the shaft, through the cleat, pulling it down, locking it to the handle and securing it against any downward strikes.This is just my guess, not based on anything. The only hole that goes all the way through is the one for the handle.

25th August 2025, 07:14 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,279	From my view,I definitely believe them to be bone.The lashing looks like it could work on my piece, the only exception is that my implement has a provision for a haft to be inserted inside it whereas the examples you provided,I believe are laid on top of the handle and lashed onto it.

Yesterday, 03:08 AM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,279	Rick, are you talking about the smaller piece or both of them?