Lot 195

Native Alaskan Aleut Bone Barbed Harpoon Head

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Native Alaskan Aleut Bone Barbed Harpoon Head

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800

Starting Bid: $600

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Aleutian Islands, ca. 1500 to 1800s CE. A hand-carved bone harpoon or spear point exhibiting a barbed, bilaterally symmetrical design with three angled lateral projections and a central socket for hafting. The surface displays fine tool marks and incised details, and a perforation likely used for lashing or toggling with cordage. According to an accompanying note, this artifact was collected by a U.S. serviceman stationed in the Aleutian Islands during World War II (1942-1945). Harpoons of this type are typically found near coastal habitation sites, shell middens, or as beachcombing discoveries, and reflect the seafaring and subsistence practices of the Indigenous Aleut (Unangan) peoples. Size: 5.5" L x 0.8" W (14 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: private El Dorado Hills, California, USA collection; Collected on the Alueutian Islands between 1942-1945.

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#194607

  • Condition: Natural ossification and pitting to the surface, but otherwise good condition and intact.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000