The characteristic features of Columbia River mountain sheep horn ladles and spoons include a broad, nearly round opening with a flat rim; a thickened flat band running the length of the under surface; and a decoration of bands of interlocking, excised triangles forming rows of zigzag lines. Concentric circles or squares, or geometricized human figures often embellish the surface. On ladles, the band and rim extend upward to form the handle, usually elaborated with a sculpted human or animal figure. (Holm, Spirit and Ancestor, 1987)

« Shorter, lighter versions of this spear were used for taking beaver and the collection contains the shaft of a model beaver spear; the point is missing. The shaft is round and 60.2 cm in length with a slit in the distal end into which the point would have been fitted. Narrow creases in the wood indicate that the point was held in place with sinew. » Vanstone, James W. "The Speck Collection of Montagnais Material Culture from the Lower St. Lawrence Drainage, Quebec." Fieldiana. Anthropology. New Series, No. 5 (October 29, 1982), p.6.

Small horn scoop. Wide and curved at bottom edge. Side walls curve in slightly over the interior of the scoop. Top comes to a point and has a small hole bored through it. Exterior is smooth and shiny, showing layers of grey, brown and tan, with flaking and brown accretions at bottom. Interior is rough and dark and shows the grain of the horn.

Horn thimble. Dark grey object is tubular in shape with a whole piercing centre. Thimble and hole are both wider at bottom and narrow toward top. Exterior is carved with three lines of round, shallow divots, regularly placed. A fine line has been carved around top and bottom edges. Top and bottom sides have been roughly sheared.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Museum Purchase: Funds provided by an anonymous donor.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.