Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida people, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fine mountain goat horn spoon with a handle of a totem animal with nacre shell eyes. The bowl is shallow and broad, formed by boiling the horn until soft then molding into the desired shape. The attached handle features a stylized bear crouching upright with his paws in front, the natural tapered tip of the horn projecting from his head. This spoon was used on special occasions such as potlatches to show off the host family's wealth, just like European silverware. The quality, use of horn, and number of spoons indicated the family's status and the totemic handles displayed ancestral heritage, myths, and oral histories of the owners. Size: 5.5" L x 1.75" W (14 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection

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#171044

Chip to periphery of bowl and handle. Surface abrasion to bowl and stable pressure fissures on handle. Overall good condition.