Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A collection of 6 marine mammal bone and deer antler fishing hooks, sewing needles, and a pins- 2 of each type. The hooks are J-shaped; the one with a barb is made from antler, the other is bone, and the sewing needles are also bone with a slender, flat profile and eye holes at the rounded end. The 2 pins are made for wearing in the hair or to secure clothing, both have formline stylized finials. One is a crouching anthropomorphic being in profile, the eyes on both sides inlaid with nacre. The other has a zoomorphic creature with perked ears and ovoid eyes, perhaps a bear or other totemic animal. The bones and antlers imbued these tools with the former living animals' power to ensure successful fishing and to protect the wearer via effigy carvings, such as the pins. Size (longest pin): 3.5" L x 0.5" W (8.9 cm x 1.3 cm)
Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection
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#171019
Condition
Longest pin head finial is reattached and stable hair line fissures radiating across surface. Minor splintering to longest sewing needle. The rest are intact with age and use expected wear and patina.