Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2122:
Description
This fascinating collection showcases historic Native American hide scraping, processing, and utilitarian tools crafted primarily from natural bone, horn, and wood. The group features two incredibly well-preserved bone-handle adzes/scrapers—historically used for fleshing and tanning hides—with one featuring a distinctive hand-dotted geometric pattern on the spine and a cross-hatched grip area at the crook. Also included is a beautifully curved horn scoop, a hand-turned wooden pestle/pounder with a spherical finial, and a heavy iron blade or axe head securely wrapped in an early coarse textile sheath. Each piece exhibits an authentic, deeply aged patina, honest smoothing from extensive historical handling, and minor pitting, surface abrasions, and superficial checking consistent with age and utilitarian use. Measurements: Large Adze: H 14″, W 1.625″, D 4.5″. Small Adze: H 12″, W 1.75″, D 4.75″. Wrapped Blade: H 8″, W 4″, D 0.5″. Horn Scoop: H 7″, W 2.5″, D 2.5″. Wooden Pestle: H 10.5″, W 2.5″, D 2.5″. Please see photos for condition.
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