38 BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Daggers and knives, often double-edged, were common on the Coast and con-
stituted formidable weapons in hand-to-hand fighting. “They were carried in
wooden cases tied to the body with leather thongs, and ivory guards were not
infrequent to protect the needle-sharp points. A thong passed through the handle
of the dagger, in this was a hole to pass over the middle finger; the rest of the
thong was tied round the wrist, so that owner and dagger were practically
inseparable. In use these weapons were deadly when driven with force. “They
showed a variety in detail. In early days they were made from highly polished
stone, slate, or bone; steel or copper being substituted after the advent of white
traders. “The handles were of wood or horn, often covered with buckskin.
Surviving specimens show a beautiful finish, some being fluted with much skill.
Haida warriors had a habit of slinging their daggers round their necks when
quarrels were likely to occur at feasts or other functions. Many highly prized
daggers had individual names, and handles carved to represent a raven, wolf,
bear, or other animal.