Native American, Western North America, Alaska, Inuit, ca. early 20th century CE. A fine bola made with lengths of twisted sinew that suspend five lightweight balls made from ungulate bone and walrus ivory on the ends. The upper body is composed of a lengthy sinew cord used to swing the weapon around one's head before releasing it into the sky. Bolas like this example were invaluable tools for catching flying birds of many sizes because, once the bola struck its target, the sinew-strung stones would rapidly ensnare the creature and dramatically mitigate any chance of escape. Size: 2.5" W x 9.75" H (6.4 cm x 24.8 cm); 9.875" H (25.1 cm) on included custom stand; (largest ball): 0.8" W x 1.375" H (2 cm x 3.5 cm)
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#148564
Condition
Sinew top strand is bound together and cannot be fully measured. Chips and minor pitting to some balls, with minor fraying to some areas of sinew strand, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina on bone and ivory balls.