Point Barrow Throwing-Board


This is an arctic Point Barrow style throwing-board. The original was collected in Point Barrow, Alaska in 1883. The image is from "Throwing-Sticks In The National Museum" by Otis T. Mason, published by the Smithsonian Institute in 1890.

Here is the accompanying text:
Point Barrow type. The specific marks are the distinct handle without finger grooves, the very eccentric index-finger hole, the method of inserting the spur for the shaft, and the harpoon-shaft groove very shallow above and deep below. In the specimens collected by Mr. Murdoch there in great uniformity of shape.

Material:
Wood, 16 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3/4"
Dowel, 1/4" x 5/8" long

Construction:

• Cut out the peg end. Starting 12" from the end, taper it down to 3/4" wide at the tip. At 9" from the end, it should be 1 1/2" wide; at 4 1/2" from the tip, it should be 1" wide.
  
  
  
  
• Cut out the handle. 3 3/8" from the end, cut in 1 1/2" on the high side and slant it up. On the groove side, cut in 1/2" and round out the end.
  
  
  
  
• Cut the groove. Staring 1/2" from the peg end, cut a 3/8" wide groove. At the peg end, it should be 3/8" deep, slanting upwards to flush at the grip. Center it at the peg end, slanting it over to 3/4" from the edge at the grip.
  
  
• Drill a 1/4" hole in the groove end, as close to level as you can. It's not critical, though.
  
  
• Round off the ends and edges.
  
  
• Round off the botton of the peg end.
  
  
• Drill the fingerhole. Make it 3/4" for a small finger, 1" for a large finger.
  
  
• Sand it all smooth.
  
  
• Round off one end of the peg. Put glue in the hole, insert the flat end, and push it in firmly.
  
  

A Point Barrow throwing board made by Uwe, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Danke for letting me use the picture, Uwe!

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