A miniature ice chisel hand-carved by Cree artist Gordon H. Blackned of Waskaganish. The round handle is carved from natural wood, with a painted cap at the top, a painted lower shaft and a grey-painted chisel blade at the tip.

In winter, the ice chisel (also called an ice breaker) is used to cut through lake and river ice for fishing and drawing water, a tool long relied on across Eeyou Istchee. This little replica hangs from a string tied around the cap, so it can hang from a hook, a rear-view mirror or a tree.

Colour Options

Red: red cap and lower shaft
Green: green cap and lower shaft
Blue: blue cap and lower shaft

The hanging string colour varies and may not match the chisel, and string length varies from piece to piece.

Details

Size: about 4" long and about 1 cm (3/8") round
Materials: carved wood, paint, string
Handmade in Waskaganish, Eeyou Istchee
Each piece is one of a kind
Made for display, not a toy

Care

Keep dry and away from direct sun. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth.