**Originally Listed At $500**

Native American, Western United States, likely Pacific Northwest Coast & Columbia River region tribes, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved whale or ungulate bone effigy decorated with leather tassels and glass beads. The carved beaded end perhaps resembles a fish or whale, and the opposite tip could be a perching eagle. The purpose and full symbolism of this piece is unknown, but there are finger sized notches along the sides- perhaps to form a grip. This may have been an accouterment for a shamanic ritual or potlatch ceremony. The opaque blue trade beads are known as Padre or "Chief's" beads as they were highly prized by the indigenous groups for their brilliant blue coloration. The Lewis and Clark expedition brought over 30 pounds of patterned and colorful beads to trade - however the solid blue and white beads were by far the most popular with the Northwest peoples and specific numbers and sizes of the blue Padre beads were traded for scores of beaver pelts. Size of bone: 7" L x 1.25" W (17.8 cm x 3.2 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA collection; ex-Hancock, New York, USA collection

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#177527

Softening to carved details and motifs are nearly indiscernable. Surface wear, minor nicks and abrasions, otherwise intact. Nice patina.