From the Archives - Nov. 10, 2022

It is always exciting when new artifacts make their way into the museum's collection. These three Kootenai stone tools were just donated by the Gertrude Baker estate.

To hold a stone tool in ones hand is an awe-inspiring experience when you realize that a tribal member personally created the tool specifically for their own needs, and held that same tool in their hands. The Kootenai Tribe relied upon the tools for their very survival.

The paddle shaped rock in the top of the photo is an ice breaking tool. During the winter, the tool was used to break the ice to set fish weirs (traps), and to chip away the ice from the trap to remove the ling caught each day.

The long rock in the middle of the photo is a grinding tool. It was used by holding upright in ones hand or by laying it on its side on a flat rock. The rock on the bottom of the photo is a pestle, and was used in a bowl shaped rock. The Kootenai people used both of these stone tools to pound and grind food materials.

These tools are a fine addition to the museum's collection.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho sponsors this column.

Visit the museum Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and you can visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the Museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. Or we can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.