Native American, Pacific Northwest (probably southern Alaska), Tlingit people, ca. 19th century CE. A remarkable copper dagger with a long, triangular blade with a wide, flat ridge at its center. The handle of the dagger is wooden, with the center wrapped in dark leather that has aged to a wonderful patina. The pommel is carved into the form of a face with huge eyes made of inlaid, round abalone shell discs. A monstrous grin with protruding tongue and a chin studded with smaller abalone shell discs. This figure probably represents a clan totem or mythical personage. The copper most likely came from the Copper River area of south central Alaska, although the Tlingit did trade for metal with the Japanese and Chinese as well as European colonists. Size: 2" W x 19.25" H (5.1 cm x 48.9 cm)

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#133591

Dark patina on copper surface. Rich patina on the leather and wood. Two of the small abalone discs are cracked. Excellent preservation of form, both in carved handle and shape of blade.