AntiqueAthabascan, Athapaskan or Athapascan (Dene) Snowshoes
c. 1880's-1910's
Wood, Babiche
63 9/16”l x 12 4/16”w x 5 5/16"h (upturned toe)
Vintage Winter

Western Subarctic antique snowshoes of native origins are some of our most favorite to acquire. You can literally feel the history in your hands. These snowshoes are crafted in the typical 'Alaska Style' with finely wovenbibiche (strips of semi-tanned hide) and/or sinew (dried tendons)and what appears to be Birch frames. Massive in size and so very artful in design. It is said that the First Nation people could recognize from the snowshoe tracks the owner and would provide for good old fashion arctic gossip.