The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
837.2010.1(a-c)
Etrier
13/05/2010
13/05/2010
3 etrier. 3 silver painted wooden rungs on each.
wood, rope
127(l) x 23(w) cms
3
siver,cream
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.
13/05/2010
13/05/2010
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
13/05/2010
Bolt hangers
Bolt hangers and plug bolts.
Drill (minus drill head )
Etrier
Rock drill