Ulu (Knife)

20th century

5 in. x 6 in. x 13/16 in. (12.7 cm x 15.24 cm x 2 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• Native American - Typically reserved to refer narrowly to the cultures of the native peoples of the United States and Canada, excluding the Eskimos and Aleuts. For the indigenous peoples of Canada use the term "First Nations." For the broader concept of the cultures of any native peoples of Central America, South America, North America, or the West Indies who are considered to belong to the Mongoloid division of the human species, use "Amerindian (culture)."
• tools - Objects, especially those hand-held, for performing or facilitating mechanical operations.
• tooth - Material made from hard, bone-like structures grown in the mouth of vertebrates; distinguishable from other bone by its structure. Animal teeth, such as from hippopotami, whales, lions, dogs, boars, bears, and humans have been used to make jewelry, gaming pieces, buttons, and and other items.
• ulus - Knives with semicircular blades, sometimes fitted with slotted wooden or ivory handles, historically used as a multi-purpose tool by Eskimo women.