Huron Snowshoes
Huron or rawhide snowshoes are long wooden snowshoes made from wood soaked or steamed in water that are then laced with hide from Caribou, Deer, and Moose. The tail and toe ends are laced with light Babiche, and the central body is laced with heavy Babiche for weight suspension, Babiche is another name for rawhide.
These snowshoes are known for their long and unique shape. They are easily manoeuvred and have great floatation on soft snow, they have streamlined tails that keep them in a straight line, and they are quiet and stable. They were the preferred model used by French settlers in 1607 during longer winter travels. These snowshoes were also used by fur trappers and hunters throughout the North Thompson Valley. The origins of these snowshoes can be traced back to the Huron people of the Saint Lawrence River.
For more interesting artifacts like this come down to the North Thompson Museum and Archives at 343 Lilley Rd.
