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Lt. Robert E. Peary's Inuit Collection
While working as a lieutenant in the Navy, Robert Peary set his sights on becoming the first man to reach the North Pole. Peary took a leave from the Navy to spend time in Greenland observing the Inuit way of life and learning as much as he could to prepare for his journey. He collected nearly 370 ethnological ob jects from the Inuit of the Smith Sound which were exhibited at the WCE. The majority of the objects are ivory carvings, along with many harpoons, bows, arrows and knives. The collection also contains objects well suited to challenging environment of the Inuit, from warm clothing such as coats, boots and mittens to sealskin bags and tools made from walrus tusks. By working closely with the Inuit, Peary was able to secure their assistance as guides and hunters, and he eventually reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909. The items in this collection are representative examples of the rich material culture that Peary encountered during his journey. |
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