This comb was used to comb wool before it could be spun into
yarn. The comb dates from about 1870. The simple designs of a hand
carved into the wood, as this one has, were very common amongst
most ethnic groups of Bukovyna. (Bukovinian)
This cherry wood and red oak spinning wheel was made in July,
1972, in time for the first Estonian World Festival, held in
Toronto. The maker used to be a fisherman in Estonia but after the
Second World War, he immigrated to Canada and started hand making
spinning wheels. (Estonian)
A Lutheran farmer who immigrated to High Falls, Quebec, the
maker made this and many other items using hand tools and local
wood. This bowl, dating from the late 19th Century, has
always been in the family. The bowl was used to clean meat.
(German)
Hunting weapon, even used on lions. Rotated quickly at arm's length
with one finger in the ring and the other end held tightly, the sling is
released when maximum speed is reached and the stone is fired at the
target. The Hausa were highly skilled in the use of the sling.
(Nigerian)
This generic pail comes from the St. Onuphrius Church (which can
still be seen as the Ukrainian Church in the Canada Hall exhibit at
the Canadian Museum of Civilization.) Kept under the stairs, it was
used to carry water from the stream of the nearby farm to wash the
floors of the church. (Ukrainian)
Probably of Zulu origin, these clubs (sing. iwisa, pl.
amawisa) were used by men as hunting
weapons, in combat, or in ritual dances to show their status.
(Zulu)
