[Eskimo / Inuit]
A Pair of Eskimo Wood Snow Goggles
A Pair of Eskimo Wood Snow Goggles, i-gauk, probably Norton Sound Area, of hollowed convex form, triangular in section, with two wide perforated slits across the center for sight, slightly pinched above the nose and expanding at the corners, a wedge-shaped cut at the lower back for the nose bridge, a pair of holes at each side for the lacing of the attachment cords, small portion of one cord (seashore grass?) remaining. Length 5.5 in. (13.5 cm.), ca. 1900.Snow goggles are a type of eyewear traditionally used by the Eskimo people of the Arctic to prevent snow blindness. The workpiece is carved to fit the wearer's face, and one or more narrow horizontal slits are carved through the front. The goggles fit tightly against the face so that the only light entering is through the slits, and soot is sometimes applied to the inside to help cut down on glare. The slits are made narrow not only to reduce the amount of light entering but also to improve the visual acuity. The greater the width of the slits the larger the field of view. (4472)
Art/Sculpture Art & Design