Snow knife explained

A snow knife or snow saw (Inuktitut: pana^[1]) is a tool used in the construction of igluit (snow houses) or as a weapon by Inuit of the Arctic. The snow knife was originally made from available materials such as bone or horn but the Inuit adapted to using metal after the arrival of Europeans. It may also be used for digging for berries or as a prop in storytelling.^[2]

Historical descriptions

The American Association for the Advancement of Science noted in 1883:

See also

• Tomahawk
• Ulu

Notes and References

1. https://books.google.com/books?id=eD5M1_kk_I0C&dq=pana+snow+knife&pg=PA92 An Inuktitut-English Dictionary of Northern Quebec, Labrador, and Eastern Arctic Dialects (with an English-Inuktitut Index)
2. Web site: 2014 . A History of the World - Object : Inuit Snow Knife or Pana . 2024-11-15 . BBC.