Carved horn for holding dentalium probably from Indians of the Pacific Coast. Believed to be circa 1800s; six inches long. an inch and a half deep. Partially beaded on the ends, the loose beads that have fallen off are included. Dentalium shells were used by Native Americans as an international trade item. Among northern California tribes, such as the Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa, dentalium shells were stored in elk-antler purses. The highest quality shells would be about 2.25" long, and a dozen would typically be strung together, and a 27.5" string of dentalium was the price of a redwood dugout canoe. The slot on top of this box is 3 1/4 inches long.