K'IZHAGI YES, CHUGHI
Moose hide, beads, beaver tooth; L 57 cm, W 9 cm
Tyonek, 1883
Knife sheath with beaver tooth
The beaver tooth attached to this knife probably had both spiritual and functional purposes. The beaver tooth as an amulet would represent the spirit of an animal that is known to be a hard worker and good wood gatherer. On a functional level, this beaver tooth was used to sharpen the knife the hunter carried.
Collection: Ethnological Museum Berlin, IVA 6101
Image: © Chris Arend/Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum