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Ancient in origin, the kit was used to make fires
with a bow drill during rituals at the feasts of reindeer
breeders. The image of a man carved on the fire
board symbolized the "host" of the domestic reindeers.
Tied to the neck of the "host" is an anthropomorphic
charm made of knots that represents his "herdsman."
The small bow made of reindeer antler and a strap
are used to turn the drill to start a fire. The
reindeer bone, a tarsal, protects the man's hand against injury
as the drill is pressed.
Koryak.
Wood, leather, reindeer antler, bone. Length of figurine 35 cm, of bone 45 cm; distance between edges of small bow 41 cm. Coll. No. 10072-76/a, b, c, d, 2, 3. The fire drill was used with a bow and fire board to make ritual fire. Even.
Wood. Length 18.5 cm. Coll. No. 2245-347. |