Description:
Model consists of flat, thin base, rectangular with four rough, evenly spaced holes cut through and six wooden poles of various shapes; one carved in fork, prong shape; three pointed (one with hide cord attached), one tapered knife shape and one carved gaff (?).
References:
Naskapi dictionary. MacKenzie Shoebox dictionary 2003.
Innu Narrative:
“Kepukuaipanua (setting fish net through the ice) and this must be it. This is smaller. It is used for setting a net through the ice. Tshitaipant (net setting). This is for setting nets in the ice. It moves to straighten the nets in the water. The net is pushed through the ice on each end, and two holes are made in the ice. Setting nets through the ice is called pukuaipan. I think this is what it is used for. It’s called tshitake (net setting).” Munik (Gregoire) Rich
Other Info:
Search ‘fish nets’ for more information on Innu nets.
Naskapi dictionary lists tistuwiistaawaaikin as “split stick for pushing net under ice”; pistaahwaaw as “she/he sets a fish net”; pikwaaipaaw as “she/he sets a net under the ice.”
MacKenzie lists pakuanipeu as “she/he sets a net under the ice,” and pakuanipan as “hole by net in ice.”
Check Innu words related to setting nets under the ice.