Description:

Native American, Alaska, Inuit, Aleutian, or Punuk peoples, Prehistoric period, ca. 100 to 1000 CE. A finely-preserved stabilizer finial carved from marine mammal bone, likely walrus, that exhibits a smooth texture formed through the process of fossilization. The stabilizer has a pair of broad wing-form projections with pierced lower attachment slots, a central conical tab, and a large attachment slot flanked by a pair of smaller drilled attachment holes. The atlatl is a lengthy pole used to increase the distance, velocity, and accuracy of a thrown spear. The lateral wings of the stabilizer emulate the feathers on an arrow by stabilizing the structure of the atlatl pole and by mitigating aerodynamic drag when thrown. A small dowel is still slotted within the central opening. A rare example of early Inuit hunting tools! Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 5.1" W x 2.375" H (13 cm x 6 cm).

For a drawing of a stylistically-similar example, please see: Mason, Owen K. "'The Multiplication of Forms:' Bering Strait Harpoon Heads as a Demic and Macroevolutionary Proxy." From "Macroevolution in Human Prehistory: Evolutionary Theory and Processual Archaeology." Springer Publishing, New York, August, 2009, Chapter 3, p. 88, fig. 3.5, middle example.

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, 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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#144752

  • Condition: Small nicks to lateral wings, central tab, and attachment hole, with several stable fissures, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits and smooth patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 4, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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