Bella Coola (Nuxalk), central British Columbia coast
18th century
Hardwood
Length 13 in. (33.02 cm)
Provenance: John Hewett, United Kingdom
A bark beater carved from a single piece of hardwood by the Bella Coola (Nuxalk) people of the central British Columbia coast, dating to the eighteenth century. The tool is shaped with a long body and a raised, contoured grip worked to the hand. The surface has darkened to a deep patina through use and age, with traces of old collection markings remaining on the wood.
Implements of this kind were used along the Northwest Coast to soften and shred cedar bark into fibers worked into clothing, matting, and cordage. Wooden tools survive only occasionally from the eighteenth century on the damp Northwest Coast, where organic material rarely lasts. Provenance traces to the London dealer John Hewett, a well-regarded source for Northwest Coast material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Bella Coola (Nuxalk), central British Columbia coast
18th century
Hardwood
Length 13 in. (33.02 cm)
Provenance: John Hewett, United Kingdom
A bark beater carved from a single piece of hardwood by the Bella Coola (Nuxalk) people of the central British Columbia coast, dating to the eighteenth century. The tool is shaped with a long body and a raised, contoured grip worked to the hand. The surface has darkened to a deep patina through use and age, with traces of old collection markings remaining on the wood.
Implements of this kind were used along the Northwest Coast to soften and shred cedar bark into fibers worked into clothing, matting, and cordage. Wooden tools survive only occasionally from the eighteenth century on the damp Northwest Coast, where organic material rarely lasts. Provenance traces to the London dealer John Hewett, a well-regarded source for Northwest Coast material.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
