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 harpoon head of an elongated triangular form with a projecting fin or spur and a recessed hafting slot on the opposite end. A central drilled hole was made for fastening to a cord, the narrow slots are for lashing, and across the surface are incised linear patterns to decorate the piece. 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. Secured to the end of a stable pole, this harpoon head would have been an invaluable hunting tool to the ancients occupying the territories which border the Bering Sea. Size: 3.67" L x 0.82" W (9.3 cm x 2.1 cm)

Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, USA collection

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#169876

Loss to spur as shown and to blade tip. Surface abrasions and nicks. Nice patina throughout.