Native American, Canada, Pacific Northwest Coast, Eastern British Columbia, Bella Coola peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A finely-crafted dagger comprised of a forged iron blade, a handle carved from the bone of a caribou or another ungulate, and leather and metal wrappings securing the components together. The elongated blade has rounded shoulders and sharpened edges which taper to a point near the bottom. The bone handle displays an expressive incised guise, perhaps representative of a native spirit or deity, with large eyes and bared teeth on the obverse side and a triangular coiffure draped down the verso. A wonderful example of fine Bella Coola craftsmanship! Size: 16.5" L x 2.375" W (41.9 cm x 6 cm).

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection; ex-private estate collection of H. I. Smith, Canada

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#133569

Age-commensurate surface wear and abrasions, light oxidation and discoloration to blade, desiccation to leather wrappings, and small chips to handle. Light earthen deposits throughout. Bone handle has normal ossification as shown.