Description:

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Beringian / Old Bering Sea Culture, ca. 200 BCE to 1000 CE. This is a hand carved whale or walrus bone or caribou antler harpoon head of an elongated triangular form with one projecting fin, a narrow socket, and a central drilled hole for fastening to a cord. At the tip is a slot for inserting a blade made of stone. These types of heads were fitted with sharp stone blades and detached from the pole once it entered the target- a rope leash kept the head taut which anchored the harpoon blade in the flesh while the hunter hauled his catch into the boat or shore. Running from spur blade slot tip are incised linear decorations that create a streamlined pattern throughout the dark brown bone. Size: 4.6" L x 1" W (11.7 cm x 2.5 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#144751

  • Condition: Repair with infill near hafting socket. Chips and abrasions to upper surface layers across piece as shown. Dark patina throughout.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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