Description:

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Beringian / Old Bering Sea Culture, ca. 200 BCE to 500 CE. A fine fishing lure in the form of a miniature fish or whale, hand carved from whale or walrus bone into a petaloid shape, the bulbous head tapering to a narrow tail. The top of the head has cavities drilled as eyes and filled with a wood inlay. Under the chin is a narrow lashing perforation and the tip of the tail is pierced for suspension from a line and/hook. The cultures of the Bering Sea often decorated their hunting and fishing tools with the images of the animals they hunted to honor the spirits and imbue their tools with power, but this fish lure was likely supposed to imitate a mullet or minnow for flounder fishing. Size: 3.375" L x 1" W (8.6 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, USA collection

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#169886

  • Condition: Surface nicks and abrasions, especially around lashing holes and eyes, otherwise intact and great condition. Heavy and dark patina throughout.

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July 7, 2023 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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