Tlingit / Athabascan, Northwest Coast
Copper, basketry
Height 14¼ in. (36.2 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection
This hand-forged copper knife features a blade decorated with circular design motifs and a handle wrapped in fine intricate Tlingit basketry work. Copper held significant value on the Northwest Coast as a prestige material associated with wealth, rank, and ceremonial exchange. Knives of this construction, combining forged copper with woven handles, are among the more unusual objects to survive from this tradition.
The blade is forged and shaped with circular motifs worked into the surface, and the handle wrapping is executed with the precision characteristic of high-quality Tlingit basketry. The combination of metalwork and weaving in a single functional object reflects the range of technical skill present in Northwest Coast material culture. Dating to the mid-19th century or earlier, the piece descends from a private California collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Tlingit / Athabascan, Northwest Coast
Copper, basketry
Height 14¼ in. (36.2 cm)
Provenance: Private California collection
This hand-forged copper knife features a blade decorated with circular design motifs and a handle wrapped in fine intricate Tlingit basketry work. Copper held significant value on the Northwest Coast as a prestige material associated with wealth, rank, and ceremonial exchange. Knives of this construction, combining forged copper with woven handles, are among the more unusual objects to survive from this tradition.
The blade is forged and shaped with circular motifs worked into the surface, and the handle wrapping is executed with the precision characteristic of high-quality Tlingit basketry. The combination of metalwork and weaving in a single functional object reflects the range of technical skill present in Northwest Coast material culture. Dating to the mid-19th century or earlier, the piece descends from a private California collection.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
