Native American, northern/central United States to Southern Canada, Eastern Woodlands Indians, ca. first half of the 19th century CE. An incredibly rare lacrosse stick of a very early form, hand-carved from a single piece of coffee-brown hardwood. The stick has a lengthy handle with a perforated strap loop on top, a broad shoulder that widens into a spoon-like head, a raised rim along the end to accommodate a ball, and a flat verso that could be used as a beater head. Accompanying the stick is a wooden ball exhibiting an ovoid (rather than perfectly spherical) profile that enabled the ball to change direction dramatically when on uneven ground. Smooth patina covering both stick and ball imbues the sporting instruments with a wonderful presentation. Size (stick): 27.8" L x 3.375" W (70.6 cm x 8.6 cm); (ball): 2.375" L x 2.2" W (6 cm x 5.6 cm)

For additional literature on the history of lacrosse in Native American tribes, please see: Culin, Stewart. "Games of the North American Indians." Dover Publications, 1907, pp. 562-594.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection, acquired in 2019; ex-private Texas, USA collection

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#152229

Stick has loss to small area of scoop cup, minor abrasions and nicks, and several stable fissures. Ball has small nicks but is also intact. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout.