**First Time At Auction**

Native American, Alaska, Thule Period, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A lovely fetish in the form of a fishtail, skillfully hand-carved from the bone of a whale. Boasting a fine, minimalistic form, the wonderful sculpture features a thick body that tapers to a petite tail with 2 pointed fins. Size: 0.5" W x 1.5" H (1.3 cm x 3.8 cm)

For thousands of years and across the thousands of miles that encompass the Arctic world, people have carved miniatures from bone, antler, and ivory. Many seem to have been used as toggles, amulets, or charms, while, in the past, many also seem to have had shamanic power. In indigenous Arctic cosmology, all living beings have a "tarniq" or a "tarninga" which means a shade or image that is, literally, a tiny human or tiny animal with the same appearance. This is comparable to the Western idea of a soul. If the living being was somehow separated from his or her tarniq, they would fall ill, and, without shamanic intervention, ultimately die. This concept of a miniature representing a soul seems intimately linked with the practice of creating miniatures.

Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, acquired between 1959 to 1962; ex-Gladys' Gifts, Barrow, Alaska, USA

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.

#166012

Some light scratches and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina.