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Actions Displays	Snowshoes Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number17541 TitleSnowshoes CreatorSub-Artic (maker)‎ DescriptionAs the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. These snowshoes, made in Canada sometime in the 19th century, are a perfect illustration of the proverb. They are an ingenious solution to the problem of how to move around in order to survive and thrive in the northernmost regions of the world. A practical piece of kit for hunting, trapping, trading and even for sport. Snowshoes have been in use for thousands of years: it is thought they arrived in Canada and North America from Siberia. Peoples from throughout this sub arctic area developed their own distinctive styles depending on the land they had to travel and the type of snow that usually fell there. Long, narrow snowshoes with upturned toes were ideal for travelling in open country, while oval or teardrop-shaped shoes like these ones were better for moving through forests and across hilly areas. Similarly, a closely woven mesh was best for crossing areas of dry, powdery snow, while a coarser mesh worked on crusted surfaces. These snowshoes are a fine example of the traditional techniques that developed over time. The frames are made from a single strip of hardwood that is bent or steamed into shape and fastened together at the tail end. Two cross bars provide support to the structure. The space is infilled with babiche – a close lacing made from thin strips of leather, possibly made from caribou, moose or deer hide. The small opening is deliberate – this is where the wearer would place their foot, suitably protected by a moccasin or boot. The snowshoes were then fastened on using leather thongs. Production placeCanada, Object nameShoe, Snow shoe (pair) costume accessories Dimensions whole Length: 930 mm whole Width: 360 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number17541

TitleSnowshoes

CreatorSub-Artic (maker)‎

DescriptionAs the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. These snowshoes, made in Canada sometime in the 19th century, are a perfect illustration of the proverb. They are an ingenious solution to the problem of how to move around in order to survive and thrive in the northernmost regions of the world. A practical piece of kit for hunting, trapping, trading and even for sport. Snowshoes have been in use for thousands of years: it is thought they arrived in Canada and North America from Siberia. Peoples from throughout this sub arctic area developed their own distinctive styles depending on the land they had to travel and the type of snow that usually fell there. Long, narrow snowshoes with upturned toes were ideal for travelling in open country, while oval or teardrop-shaped shoes like these ones were better for moving through forests and across hilly areas. Similarly, a closely woven mesh was best for crossing areas of dry, powdery snow, while a coarser mesh worked on crusted surfaces. These snowshoes are a fine example of the traditional techniques that developed over time. The frames are made from a single strip of hardwood that is bent or steamed into shape and fastened together at the tail end. Two cross bars provide support to the structure. The space is infilled with babiche – a close lacing made from thin strips of leather, possibly made from caribou, moose or deer hide. The small opening is deliberate – this is where the wearer would place their foot, suitably protected by a moccasin or boot. The snowshoes were then fastened on using leather thongs.

Production placeCanada,

Object nameShoe, Snow shoe (pair)

costume accessories

Dimensions

whole Length: 930 mm
whole Width: 360 mm