Description:

Native American, Pacific Northwest, United States, California, Channel Islands, Chumash, Nicolenos, or Tongva people, Pre-contact to Mission period, ca. 1250 to 1800 CE. A collection of 4 circular or C-shaped fishhooks made from abalone shell that are well preserved with nacre surfaces. It is thought stone tools were used to chip and smooth the abalone shells, leaving the shimmering nacre intact as lures to attract the fish. The peoples of the Channel Islands relied on the ocean for sustenance and abalone, shellfish, and fish were a major part of their diet. The abalone shells were discarded in great piles, but some pieces were utilized as pendants, beads, and tools such as these hooks. Fishing was done from shore and in boats, hooking and netting fish as large as sharks and swordfish! Size of largest: 1.675" L x 1.125" W (4.3 cm x 2.9 cm)

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#169596

  • Condition: Some chipping to nacre iridescence, but good remains. Chips and nicks to the surfaces and tips of all hooks, but forms are well preserved.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 24, 2022 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000