Lot Essay
Such counterweights are popularly referred to as "turreted objects." The form evolved out of the winged objects of the earlier Old Bering Sea period (see Wardwell, 1992, pp. 29, 30).
Details
A PUNUK WALRUS IVORY HARPOON COUNTERWEIGHT
ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND, EEWOK, CIRCA 600-1200 A.D.
Of symmetrical openwork flaring form, incised on both sides with parallel and converging incisions, on one side, eroded at the bottom
3¼in. (8.1cm.) high
ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND, EEWOK, CIRCA 600-1200 A.D.
Of symmetrical openwork flaring form, incised on both sides with parallel and converging incisions, on one side, eroded at the bottom
3¼in. (8.1cm.) high
Provenance
On long term loan to the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1984 to 1995