Native American, North America, Pacific Northwest Coast, Haida or Tlingit, ca. early 20th century CE. A fine, hand-carved whale or walrus bone depicting an abstract and stylized figure with an anthropomorphic face. The details are skillfully carved in relief and polished to a pleasantly smooth texture. The figure crouches with his legs folded to his sides and a halibut fish clasped to his chest. The fish has the distinctive eyes set onto one side of the head, typical of these flatfish. The figure holds the halibut tail under his chin. The oversized face stares forward with large eyes and slightly open mouth. The bone is hollowed out with openings at both ends and two additional piercings on the verso for suspension. This piece was probably an artistic addition to a larger halibut hook! Please see below for more information on traditional Halibut fishing tools and techniques. Size: 3.25" L x 0.8" W (8.3 cm x 2 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Traditional halibut hooks were usually made with bone, antler, or wood, and then shaped with two arms bound together with leather or sinew to form a V shape. One arm might be ornately carved with a motif, like this bone example. A barb made from a sharpened bone would then project from inside of the other arm. This hook style was designed to capture the correct size of halibut, who feed by opening their mouths wide. If the fish was too small, it will not be able to hook itself; if the fish was too large (and might capsize a small boat), it would put the entire hook in its mouth and not be barbed. Over time, these bone hooks were replaced by metal or other materials, but many are still carved as pieces of art to use as amulets or totems.

Provenance: ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#164435

Minor natural ossification of the bone visible around the piercings and openings. Nice patina and smooth surface. Great condition and details!