Snow Goggles
2 cm wide x 11.5 cm long x 3.5 cm high
Carved wood, sinew strap
Ungava Labrador, Quebec (Quebec Inuit or Labrador Inuit) c. 1884
Collector L. M. Turner
Museum ID number: TUR.C1.af.0178
Snow goggles were used by all Arctic peoples to protect the wearer from “snow blindness,” the temporary blindness and severe pain that occurs when ultraviolet light is reflected off of snow and ice, burning one’s retinas. The goggles have long, narrow slits that block out the excess light while still providing a wide field of vision. The slits also help the wearer see better by sharpening and focusing their vision. Many snow goggles had more decoration, suggesting that these particular goggles are likely a “tourist” item, especially since they show no obvious signs of use. The goggles could have been sold to or made specifically for the collector.