Ancient Alaskan Bering Sea Walrus Ivory Fire Starter
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Description
Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Beringian / Old Bering Sea Culture, ca. 200 BCE to 500 CE. This is an interesting walrus ivory tool that functioned as a fire starter and possibly doubled as a scraper. The ivory has a rounded base and flat top - with 3 cavities drilled into the upper face for facilitating a hand or bow drill type of fire starting - a rapid rotary twisting of a rod in the holes - the friction creating sparks. The surface is smooth and polished from use and great age, the ivory darkening to a deep brown and caramel hue. One end has a tab handle, and the other tip is slightly tapered like a blade edge, perhaps to also serve as a multifunctional scraping or cutting tool. Size: 5.5" L x 1" W x 1" H (14 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm)
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.
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.
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.
#169862
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.
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.
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.
#169862
Condition
Heavy use related wear to the 3 cavities - stable fissures, abrasions, and slight charring. Abrasions and nicks to exterior surfaces. Dark and smooth patina throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Ancient Alaskan Bering Sea Walrus Ivory Fire Starter
Estimate $800 - $1,200
3 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
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