Quiver
Huambisa Tribe, Amazonian region, Ecuador, 1956
Bamboo, fiber, piranha teeth
58-126
This quiver is part of a blowgun kit. Huambisa men in the Amazonian jungle carry quivers like this for hunting small mammals. They shoot darts notched with piranha teeth and dipped into curare poison, which quickly kills the animal.
Curator's pickThe Science Museum of Minnesota runs a unique program that looks at the dangers of indigenously used toxins in collections. Many objects in museum collections are poisonous, and can potentially endanger the health of museum staff. This quiver represents the Oh No Ethnobotany! program directed by SMM Research Associate Rose Kubiatowitz.
Oh No Ethnobotany! addresses concerns about by toxic chemicals—like curare poison— inherent in the object, and establishes policies and procedures for safe handling and storage. As you can see, this actively poisonous object is clearly labeled and contained in a box, ensuring the good health of our staff!
- Tilly Laskey, Curator of Ethnology