Chippewa Fish Decoy

Early 20th Century

3.25" H x 10.125" L x 4" W 

Hand Crafted Fish Decoy from Carved Wood, Metal Fins, Plastic Eyes with the Word Roka and a Metal Loop for Hanging 

In Very Good Condition

Chippewa (Ojibwe) fish decoys are traditional hand-carved wooden lures used by the Chippewa/Ojibwe people (and other Native American groups in the Great Lakes region) for ice spearfishing.  Fishermen cut holes in the ice and set up a "dark house" or shelter (often a small tipi-like structure or blanket-covered frame). They lie prone to peer down into the water through the hole, blocking light for better visibility. A carved decoy is attached to a jigging stick and lowered into the water. The angler moves it up and down to mimic swimming, attracting fish like pike, muskellunge, sturgeon, or smaller species. When a fish approaches, the spear (often multi-pronged for smaller fish) is used to harvest it.