Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida people, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A fine ceremonial spoon carved from mountain goat horn with a totem handle attached to the bowl. The tapered handle has stylized totemic figures: a bear-like animal and an avian or other zoomorphic creature on the tip, and both sets of eyes are inlaid with nacre shells. Fancy spoons were used on special occasions such as potlatches and feasts 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. To create the spoon the horn was boiled until soft then molded into the shape, cooled, and finally carved. Size: 7.25" L x 1.5" W (18.4 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection

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#171007

Minor nicks to handle otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina across surfaces.