TOWN OF CHURCEILL
ESKIMO MUSEUM MAN.

ESKIMO MUSEUM

Through the efforts of the Missionaries and the co-operation of the Eskimos
the Catholic Mission opened at Churchill in 1944, the unique 'Eskimo Museum".
The reason for its inception was to promote interest in the Eskimo, his life and

habits. To be able to understand a people one must first have knowledge of their
characteristics and customs. The Museum helps one to achieve this.
Originally a few ivory carvings were housed in the Bishops! residence at

Montreal, shown to visitors only and some being given to benefactors of the
church. Eventually owing to the increased interest in the Eskimo, the carvings
were brought to Churchill, in1944. From Pelly Bay, Chesterfield Inlet, Repulse
and Igloolik came stones, lamps and a cooking pot. More ivory carvings arrived
and ten years later soap stone carvings. In olden days such primitive tools as
the hand-drill, bow-drill, adze and incising needle were used in the carving pro-
cesses. These may all be seen in the Museum.

The exhibits date roughly from 2,000 years, include items such as pendants,

combs, needles, thimble or needle case, figurines of man and woman, all of
ivory. Minature soapstone masks andcharms, a knife carved from jade, caribou
antlers cartooned with spirit faces. Flint and crystal pointed tools used for car-
ving purposes, snow knives, chisels used for carving cooking pots. These items
were found in the Igloolik vicinity and at Native Point - Coral Harbour.