Chisel
Maker: Euro-Canadian (Fur Trade)
Medium:Iron
Geography: Ontario, Winnipeg River, Boundary Falls
Date: early 19th century AD
Period: Colonial (1700-1850 AD)
Dimensions:40.5 x 2.5 x 1 cm
Object number: 966.302.17
DescriptionThis well-preserved ice chisel was recovered from the Winnipeg River (Ontario). The current interpretation for these objects is that they sank to the bottom of the river during canoe accidents. In the fur trade context, such items were destined for trade with Indigenous nations and communities in exchange for furs and food. Ice chisels were used to open frozen beaver lodges, and were therefore a popular trade item.
