item details
NameSki poles
ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); early 1930s; Europe
Classificationski poles
Materialsbamboo, metal, leather
DimensionsOverall: 177mm (width), 1160mm (length), 167mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH024108
Credit lineGift of Ian Mardell, 2012
Overview
These ski poles are made of bamboo cane, and were used with wooden skis in the 1930s.
Near the end of the shaft, the circular 'basket' stops the pole from sinking into deep snow. Attached to the top of the pole is a grip with a strap, which can be worn around the wrist.
Ski poles help skiers improve their balance, timing and forward movement.
Early ski poles were wooden sticks, then bamboo such as these in the 1930s, then steel in the 1940s and 50s. The aluminium ski pole was introduced in 1958. Now, composite ski poles are also used.