sakote

Sakote, also known as the tribal spear, is a type of weapon traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the native cultures of Canada and the United States. The name "sakote" is derived from the Chinook Jargon term, meaning "spear" or "to throw".

The sakote was an essential tool used by many Pacific Northwest tribes, including the Chinook, Tlingit, and Haida. It was typically made from a long, slender branch of wood, often birch or cedar, with a sharp, pointed tip at the end. The spear could be up to 10 feet in length and was used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, fishing, and defense.

In traditional warfare, the sakote was often used in conjunction with a shield, allowing warriors to throw the spear from a safe distance and then quickly retrieve it. The sakote was a crucial component of Pacific Northwest tribal warfare, with its design and use varying slightly among the different nations.

Today, the sakote remains an important cultural artifact for Pacific Northwest tribes, often displayed in museums and cultural centers as a symbol of their history and heritage. The traditional craftsmanship and skill involved in making a sakote have been passed down through generations, and many modern artisans continue to create replicas of these iconic spears using traditional methods. The sakote serves as a connection to the past, honoring the ingenuity and resilience of the indigenous peoples who first created and used it.