ice scratchers en

Hunting tools used by Alaska Native and Inuit communities. Consists of a carved wooden handle, usually in the shape of an animal's paw, terminating in several carved points imitating the appearance of claws. Often, claws of other animals such as seals are lashed to these points with fiber. Sometimes a bead or circular depression is placed in the middle of the paw shape, relating to pierced hand designs common in Alaska Native and Inuit material culture. Used to imitate the sounds of seals scratching the ice and attract the attention of seals when hunting.