North America, United States, ca. 19th century CE. This is an interesting material; a tool made from a fox baculum; the bone found in the penis of many placental mammals. Unsurprisingly mankind devised a use for this bone - a toothpick! The baculum bones from foxes, raccoons and other animals were used to get into hard-to-reach areas; the natural curving shape helped facilitate cleaning teeth and digging out ear wax. To make these bones more elegant and attractive to the upper classes, they were sometimes mounted into gold handles, however, pioneers would simply wear them on cords as both a pendant and handy toothpick. The bone has great signs of age and a polished surface. Thankfully, modern materials and dental hygiene has come a long way from these baculum bones! Size: 3.75" L x 0.25" W (9.5 cm x 0.6 cm)
Provenance: private Littleton, Colorado, USA collection, acquired as a gift in 1961 at the Arctic Research Laboratory from Pete Sovalik
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#165864
Condition
Chips to tips of both ends. Polished with smooth surface. Not recommended for use.