Native American, Northwestern Coast United States, Haida, ca. mid-20th century CE. A beautiful hand-carved wooden fishing club in the form of a stylized owl. The bird crouches on the handle with the wings folded at its sides. The face is fierce with incised diamond shaped eyes and bared teeth, perhaps suggesting a transitional state between bird and human, and atop the head are two protruding ears. The cylindrical handle is unadorned save for the pommel that is carved to form a petite head of another animal with perked ears; the handle is pierced with a leather cord for suspension. All is painted in red, green, and black. Clubs were used in fishing to stun or quickly end the fish's life and to keep is from getting away after being hooked. Size: 18" L x 3" W (45.7 cm x 7.6 cm)
Provenance: ex-Duane's Antiques, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
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#166709
Condition
Water damage and darkening of surface on one side of club. Paper has become attached to the surface of the club's head, likely from adhesive when displaying the piece. Stable pressure fissures and chips to paint. Brightly painted and otherwise intact.