Native American / First Nations, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit / Haida culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A stunning dagger, with a double-edged brass blade and wood handle carved into a bird and inlaid with nacre shells. Traditionally special knives and daggers were made with blades of bone or copper, and after European contact and trade, blades were forged from other metals- such as brass, often reusing or modifying tools and swords. The ornate knives, such as this example, were used as prestige pieces, the carved handles symbolizing clan or family emblems. This is a superb example; the hooked bird beak creates a comfortable finger rest, and the wood is pleasantly smooth and lustrous from touch and age. Size: 13" L x 1.5" W (33 cm x 3.8 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

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 Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex-L. Lafortune estate, BC, Canada

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#180149

Dark patina and toning on blade. And minor nicks to tip. Tiny stable pressure fissure on handle and nicks nacre shell inlays. Smooth and lustrous patina on wood. Overall excellent condition.