Lot 48: A NORTHWEST COAST IMPLEMENT, TLINGIT OR TSIMSHIAN

measurements note
length 12 1/4 in.

possibly a symbolic club or ornament, of natural curving form, carved from the branch of an elk or caribou antler, the handle pierced for suspension.

NOTE

For a related example see Fitzhugh and Crowell, 1988, p. 138, no. 169, CMC GbTo-28:850, circa A.D. 100, identified as a Shaman's Miniature War Club: "A shaman often used ceremonial weapons to fight supernatural battles, which may explain the function of this miniature club."