GPM Collection: 19th Century Eel Spear

This week's artifact of the week is an Eel Spear! 

Museum Collection

First quarter, 19^th century

This hand-forged iron eel spear would be attached to a 15-20ft pole and be used to trap slow moving eel in marsh areas and below the riverbeds.

Standing in a boat or on the edge of the river, the fisherman would thrust the spear into the mud, and the eel would be forced between the rounded edges and impaled onto the needlepoint tines.    

          

This artifact was donated in 1966 by Dr. S. B. Fraser and was found in Cornwall, ON, on Cameron's Island. 

If you'd like to learn more about the various tools and gadgets Pioneers would have used, come by to see our Doodads and What-Cha-Ma-Call-Its exhibit here at the GPM in Roxborough Hall!