Antique Swiss Snowshoes - Ojibwa/ Chippewa style
c. 1940’s-70’s – 20th century
Wood, Leather, Wire, Metal, Rubber
29 1/16”l x 8 13/16”w
© Vintage Winter

A very interesting set of vintage snowshoes.  Similar in design to the snowshoes worn and crafted by American Maple sap farmers, these snowshoes hail from Switzerland.  Meticulously crafted with custom aluminum tips, leather and rubber bindings, wire lacing and hand forged steel acorn spikes (extra grip while traversing ice).  While these snowshoes were not designed for deep powder we are certain they did perform their intended job quite well.  Many Native First Nation people crafted snowshoes in this style including the Cree, Nascapi, Montagnais and others.