Objects Database

Etrier

Accession Number

837.2010.1(a-c)

Object Name

Etrier

Created

13/05/2010

Accession Date

13/05/2010

Brief Description

3 etrier. 3 silver painted wooden rungs on each.

Materials

wood, rope

Dimensions

127(l) x 23(w) cms

Number Of Objects

3

Colour

siver,cream

Provenance

Like many words in the English language, particularly in the world of mountaineering, 'etrier' is borrowed from another mountaineering nation, in this case France, since etrier means a ladder, or more specifically a stirrup.
Jokes are often made about mountaineers needing ladders to climb rock faces - well it's no joke, they actually use them. If a rock face proves to be unclimbable by normal means i.e. hands and feet, then a piton, bolt or something familiar can be banged into the rock and the etrier clipped into it for use as a ladder. Repeat the process and away you go up the rock face.
This type of climbing is known as artificial climbing and was much in vogue in the latter part of the 1900's and while the 'art' is still practised, better forms of protection and much higher climbing standards have seen many former artificial climbs now climbed free.
These three etrier seem to be rather lovingly homemade from Viking nylon rope and wooden steps, so simple and effective. Unfortunately, we don't know who made them but thanks to whoever it was. They are very nice.

Acquisition Date

13/05/2010

Condition Check Date

13/05/2010

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

13/05/2010

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