Native American, North America, Pacific Northwest Coast, Alaska, Pre-Contact Thule, Punuk stage, ca. 800 to 1400 CE. A hand carved marine animal bone or caribou antler harpoon head of an elongated triangular form with one projecting spur above a recessed hafting slot and a symmetrical barbed blade head. A central drilled hole for fastening to a cord is set into the center of the neck, and lashing holes are pierced just above the hafting slot. Secured to the end of a stable pole, this harpoon head would have been an invaluable hunting tool for catching marine animals. According to the University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN) article "Arctic Archaeology and the Importance of Harpoon Heads" by Michael Lorain, this is likely a Punuk Type 4 harpoon head. Size: 4.125" L x 0.8" W (10.5 cm x 2 cm)
Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, USA collection
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#169882
Condition
Old chip to one barb, and old loss to recessed hafting slot and spur area. Surface nicks and abrasions to blade tip. Dark and heavy patina throughout.