Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida people, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A spoon carved from mountain goat horn into an incredible serving ladle for special occasions. The bowl is shaped by boiling then molding the horn and the handle is attached separately, intricately carved with totemic and stylized zoomorphic forms- a crouching bear and a bird- perhaps a raven or owl at the top. Their eyes and wings are inlaid with shimmering nacre shells that contrast brilliantly against the dark horn. Carved spoons of this sort were used during feasts and potlatches to demonstrate the hosting family's wealth and ancestry - the totemic carvings of the handles marking momentous myths and oral histories. Size: 7.5" L x 1.75" W (19 cm x 4.4 cm)
Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, USA collection
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#171034
Condition
Shallow abrasions on bowl and on handle, but otherwise intact and very good. Great patina across surfaces.