Description:

Native American, Native Alaskan (probably Yupik), ca. 1884 CE. A fine example of a hand-carved, decorated wooden halibut hook. The hook has a curved form, with two arms that bend inward and then project outward, with one side ending in a curved point wrapped in twine, and the other with a bone barb, tied in place with twine, that points towards the curved interior of the hook. This hook style was designed to capture the correct size of halibut, who feed by opening their mouths wide. If the fish was too small, it would not be able to hook itself; if the fish was too large (and might capsize a small boat), it would put the entire hook in its mouth and not be barbed. Size: 4.25" W x 6.6" H (10.8 cm x 16.8 cm); 9.85" H (25 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Tambaran collection, New York, USA

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#149103

  • Condition: Rich patina on all surfaces and in great condition with light wear commensurate with its age. Old collection number handwritten in black ink on one side and also the initials "OYY". On the other side, also handwritten in black ink, it says, "Alaska Indian Halibut Hook 1884".

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September 5, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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