Otis Tufton Mason
Throwing-sticks in the National Museum
Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1883-'84, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1890, pages 279-289
"Throwing-Sticks in the National Museum" by Otis Tufton Mason is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the study of throwing-sticks, a traditional tool used by various Arctic and subarctic peoples, including the Eskimo and Aleut tribes. It provides an ethnological examination of these implements, highlighting their structural variations across different regions. The book details a comprehensive analysis of various types of throwing-sticks, categorizing them by origin and construction. It describes their unique features—such as grips, shafts, hooks, and the materials used—while comparing the implements from regions such as Greenland, Alaska, and the Yukon. Mason's exploration underscores the significance and functionality of each type, providing insight into the cultural practices of hunting and fishing in these communities. By examining the throwing-stick's design and its adaptations, the book contributes to the understanding of the interplay between environment, culture, and tool-making among Indigenous peoples.