Fish spear, ca. 1900
Contributed by Hudson Museum, Univ. of Maine
Item 23485
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Carvers created fish spears or leisters for catching salmon, eels and other migratory fish species.
This example originally had a 12- to 18-foot shaft of spruce for a handle.
Fishermen, using torches, attracted fish to the surface, then used leisters to spear them. The outside wooden prongs grasped the fish and the center prong pierced the fish's back.
Salmon spearing was prohibited by state law in 1912.
Other Information
- Title: Fish spear, ca. 1900
- Creation Date: circa 1900
- Subject Date: circa 1900
- State: ME
- Media: Wood, steel
- Local Code: HM 2529
- Object Type: Physical Object
For more information about this item, contact:
Hudson Museum, Univ. of Maine
5746 Maine Center for the Arts, Orono, ME 04469
(207) 581-1902
http://www.umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum/
Cross Reference Searches
LC Subject Headings
Spears
Native American artifacts
Indians of North America--Maine
Fishing--Equipment and supplies
Harpoons
Other Keywords
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