TUMPLINES

"...who carry everything by means of a carrying girth fixed to the forehead, whence the whole burden and (a hundred weight is not considered heavy) is suspended down the back. The men carry everything hung to a carrying girth fixed across the chest. A deer weighing from a hundred to a hundred and thirty pounds they will carry the entire way home before allowing themselves to rest. These carrying girths are made of wild hemp which is first spun. That part of these girths which passes across the breast and over the shoulders is three fingers broad and decorated with various figures. From it depend long plaited, durable bands, to which the burden is bound."
-- David Zeisberger

"It is very common to see a hunter come in with a whole deer on his back, fastened with a hoppis, a kind of band with which they carry heavy loads. It rests against the breast, that which the women rest against the forehead."
-- John Heckewelder

The tumplines I make are based on originals and done using 18th century period correct techniques and are of hemp construction. The center section is twined and measures 2 to 2 1/2 inches wide by 21 to 23 inches long, while theties are 6 to 7 1/2 feet long and are oblique woven.
The prices below are based on a tumpline 15 feet long, with a center section that is 21 inches long.
The "Mohawk" style tumpline is based of an original in the British museum. It was collected in 1710 from one of the "Iroquois" kings that visited England. The dimensions of the tumpline are the same but the center band is done using a different twining technique then the other tumpline I offer. To my knowledge this is the only plain tumpline with definate 18th century providance. This is most likely the style tumpline that would have been carried by Europeans (rangers,Millice etc.)

For prices on longer tumplines contact me for a quote.
I can generally have a tumpline done within 2-3 weeks of your order depending on the amount of back orders I have to fill. I accept checks, cash, Money orders and will consider trades.
I stand behind all my products and if you have any problems with your purchase please fell free to return the item and I will fix the problem or refund your money.

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