Employed in the hunting and trapping of birds, the Inuit hunting bolas was an elegant form of slingshot used during the early twentieth century. The Inuit crafted their hunting bolas out of carved antler, cotton cord, hide, and bird quills. A hunter would whirl the bolas in the air, throw it at low-flying prey, and watch as the weight of the balls brought down the weapon over the winged target.

— Text by Katherine Dow

90 Years Ago

Tall tale

In the May 1922 issue, W.G. Maclean recounted his unbelievable fishing trip at Edson River in Alberta. Upon discovering a picturesque clearing, Maclean donned his waders and ventured into the river, only to feel his footwear become dangerously heavy with what he thought was iron from the mineralized spring. Barely making it to the other side, Maclean lifted his foot to discover his wader filled with several rainbow trout — every fisherman’s dream.

60 Years Ago

Artistic encore

The stunning totem poles of Kwakiutl artist Mungo Martin graced the pages of Audrey Hawthorn’s article “Totem Pole Carver,” which appeared in the March 1952 issue. Hawthorn explored the rejuvenation of Martin’s career after chancellor E.W. Hamber and the University of British Columbia created funds that allowed Martin to supervise the restoration of old totem poles, carve new poles, and create other artifacts.

30 Years Ago

Cultural remains

In his Summer 1982 article “Art and Archaeology at York Factory,” Gary Adams detailed the art and archaeological remains at York Factory, Manitoba. The massive erosion of the ruin necessitated the cultural recovery of the former Hudson’s Bay Company post. During the work to save what remained of the withering site, an archaeological crew uncovered beadwork, handmade tools, and paintings.