{"product_id":"chumash-steatite-stone-whale-fetish","title":"Chumash Steatite Stone Whale Fetish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c!--StartFragment --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003e1.125\" H x 2.75\" L x 1.5\" W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eHand Carved from Dark Grey Steatite Stone of a Whale with Inlaid Shell Beads for Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eExcellent Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf0\"\u003eThe Chumash Stone Whale Fetish refers to a category of small, carved stone sculptures created by the Chumash people, an Indigenous group from California's Central Coast (roughly from Malibu to Morro Bay). These artifacts, often called \"whale effigies\" or \"charms,\" date primarily to the Late Period of Chumash culture (c. 1200\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003e–1600 CE) and represent whales—likely killer whales (orcas) or other cetaceans central to their maritime worldview. Crafted from soft soapstone (steatite), they embody spiritual, practical, and symbolic significance in Chumash society.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"pf0\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cf1\"\u003eProvenance:  From the Len and Toni Wood Private Collection, Laguna Beach, California\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!--EndFragment --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique American Indian Art","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46012346695845,"sku":"5231-410","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/6071\/5685\/files\/5231-410_1.jpg?v=1761682673","url":"https:\/\/antiqueamericanindianart.com\/products\/chumash-steatite-stone-whale-fetish","provider":"Antique American Indian Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}