Eskimo Ivory Spear Head, 2 Piece

Early 20th Century

5.75" L

Hand Carved from Ivory of 2 Spear Heads

In Very Good Condition

From a private collection of George W. Patterson, of Tulsa, Ok; Missionary to the Makah and who lived at Neah Bay from 1964-1982. He had also spent a brief period of time on the Navajo reservation during this period

Eskimo ivory spear heads (often referred to as spear points, harpoon heads, or toggle heads) are traditional hunting tools crafted by Indigenous Arctic peoples, including the Inuit, Yupik. These are primarily made from walrus ivory (from tusks), sometimes combined with bone, stone, metal, or other materials. They were essential for hunting marine mammals (seals, walrus), fish, and birds in the harsh Arctic environment.