Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Yupik peoples, Thule period, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. A hand carved caribou or walrus bone comb that is shaped as a whale tail. The fins curve outwards, and the tail tapers inward to the body. Incised lines outline the edges vertically and several lines transverse the center of the tail. The tip contains the 13 tines for combing. Whale effigy combs were important in ensuring a successful hunt. The wife of the hunting party's leader could not wash or comb her hair until the hunters returned, but she might wear the comb to keep her unkempt hair out of her eyes. Size: 4.5" L x 2.125" W (11.4 cm x 5.4 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#166451
Condition
Natural ossification and surface pitting to bone. Surface abrasion vertically from neck to tines. Nicks to tines and tail. Brown patina, scattered mineral deposits, and mica flecks.