Rare Columbia River Red Hematite Bear Effigy Pestle/Maul

15th - 19th Century

8.5" L x 3.75" D

Hand Carved from Hematite Stone with a Bear Effigy Handle and Shows Fine Generational Polish and Use and is Extremely Rare

In Very Good Condition

The Columbia River Red Hematite Bear Effigy Pestle/Maul is a type of prehistoric Native American ground stone artifact associated with Indigenous cultures along the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest.

These artifacts are typically pestles (or sometimes classified as mauls/pounders), used for grinding food like roots, berries, dried salmon, or other materials in mortars. Pestles from this region often feature pecked and polished surfaces, with some showing decorative or effigy elements—such as animal heads (including bears)—carved or shaped into the handle or top end. Bear effigies are notable in Northwest Native art and symbolism, reflecting cultural or spiritual significance, though realistic animal carvings appear more prominently in areas like The Dalles region.