Bella Coola (Nuxalk), British Columbia
Bone or ivory
Length 11¼ in. (28.6 cm)
Provenance: John Hewett, United Kingdom
ESA antique-exempt ivory. Not available for international sale or shipment to California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington.
This Bella Coola / Nuxalk bark beater is an early Northwest Coast tool form associated with the processing of bark fiber. Bark beaters were used to soften and prepare fibrous material for practical uses including textiles, cordage, mats, and other worked bark objects. The form reflects a utilitarian object made for repeated use rather than display.
The long open handle and heavy working end suggest a tool designed for grip, leverage, and striking. The worn surface, rounded edges, and aged patina support its identification as a well-used object. The material is listed as bone or ivory and carries an ESA ivory statement; it should be presented cautiously as bone or ivory unless confirmed more specifically.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Bella Coola (Nuxalk), British Columbia
Bone or ivory
Length 11¼ in. (28.6 cm)
Provenance: John Hewett, United Kingdom
ESA antique-exempt ivory. Not available for international sale or shipment to California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington.
This Bella Coola / Nuxalk bark beater is an early Northwest Coast tool form associated with the processing of bark fiber. Bark beaters were used to soften and prepare fibrous material for practical uses including textiles, cordage, mats, and other worked bark objects. The form reflects a utilitarian object made for repeated use rather than display.
The long open handle and heavy working end suggest a tool designed for grip, leverage, and striking. The worn surface, rounded edges, and aged patina support its identification as a well-used object. The material is listed as bone or ivory and carries an ESA ivory statement; it should be presented cautiously as bone or ivory unless confirmed more specifically.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
