Collection search - [Women and children of the Kainai Nation with horses and travois]. Original title: Indian Ponies and Travois, N.W.T

A travois is a type of sled used by First Nations (including Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Dakota, Stoney Nakoda, Cree, Assiniboine and Tsuut'ina) throughout the Plains region of North America to transport large loads. Travois are a transportation device unique to this region, as they are perfectly suited for dragging large loads along flat, grassy landscapes. For this reason, they were also adopted for use by European and Métis fur traders in the area. The travois consists of two long poles that are hitched to each side of a dog or horse with a leather harness. The two poles are lashed together at the front end to form a triangle. The apex of the triangle shape rests on the dog or horse's shoulders, while the splayed ends drag over the ground. Buffalo skin is traditionally used to prevent discomfort to the animal pulling the travois. The load is fastened to the travois with a platform or netting that is stretched between the splayed ends of the two poles.

Title assigned by the archivist based on the caption.

Caption on mount: Indian Ponies and Travois, N.W.T. -- No. 824.

There are two other copies of this b&w print in the Canadian Intellectual Property Office fonds, RG105 / R9271, accession no. 1966-094, item C-006103 (Mikan no. 3258314) and C-024279 (Mikan no. 3368345).