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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#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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April 21, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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