Notes

This harpoon is clearly marked "4924" but 4924 is almost certainly NOT the correct catalogue number for this object. According to the ledger book, 4924 is a Fijian bow/arrow from the Wilkes collection, and this harpoon is not listed. So it is probably misnumbered. It is possible that this harpoon is not from the U.S. Exploring Expedition either -- the Wilkes attribution may be from its (erroneous) association with number 4924. This artifact has been attributed to the Northwest Coast (see catalogue card for E4924), and the U.S. Ex. Ex. did collect there, however there are also James G. Swan collection pieces with catalogue numbers in the 4000 number range, and there are several other collections with missing harpoons.No catalog card found in card file