weapons

The Eskimos had many weapons. They used Spears to stab animals. They also used something called a Bola. The Bola was a weapon used by aboriginal people throughout America in the past. Those in the south made their Bolas from many local materials. The Inuit made theirs from bone and sinew. The Bola was whirled overhead and thrown at animals’ legs to tangle it up. This prevented an animal from escaping. The caribou is a good example of an animal the Inuit would use the Bola for. It is no longer used for hunting, but it still has a use. Sometimes the Gauchos (another tribe) use it to herd cattle. The more respect that went into crafting the knife, harpoon-head or other weapon, the more successful the hunter would be. The hunter could also trick animals or subdue them by enlisting spiritual aid. He made his weapons from materials familiar and comforting to his prey, and he called on spirit-helpers by decorating his hunting equipment with images of his quarry's natural predators. This imparted the predator's strength, power, or swiftness to the hunter or his weapons.