Description:

Native American, Northeast United States, Maine, Penobscot, ca. 1900s to 1950s CE. A root club hand-carved with a canine or skunk-like face on the spiked head, and the handle is etched with a leaf pattern. Traditionally small birch trees are uprooted to create these clubs which functioned as symbolic and ceremonial items and adapted as weapons when necessary. By the late 19th century, the abundance of human faces, animals, and other varied subject matter on root clubs reflected an increased sales to non-Native tourists, moving away from the spiritual and towards folk art and souvenirs. Size: 21" L x 7" W (53.3 cm x 17.8 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#180546

  • Condition: Stable pressure fissures in the roots, and large losses to root tips. Chips to handle pommel and wear to surface.

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March 17, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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