Description

Mammalian tooth, incisor or canine, probably from a whale or sea lion. [CAK 23/06/2009]

Longer Description

Mammalian tooth, incisor or canine, probably from a whale or sea lion. The exposed enamel portion of the tooth and the below-gum portion of the tooth are present. There is significant brownish colouring and wear on the tooth. A small opening is visible for the attachment of the root or soft tissue. Either the soft tissue remains in the tooth, or it has been plugged with plant matter. [CAK 23/06/2009]

Research Notes

I think this is a sperm whale tooth, based on other whale teeth I've seen and an image search on Google. [El.B 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 6/12/2005]

I believe this is a bear tooth based upon comparative photography, the presence of bears on Haida Gwaii, and the use of bear fur and claws in Haida regalia and jewellery. [CAK 23/06/2009]

Further to my above remark, after considering both possibilities and comparing pictures I have to say bear tooth is probably correct. Sperm whale teeth are probably larger than this, although remarkably similar in appearance. [El.B 11/12/2009]

The following information comes from Haida delegates who worked with the museum's collection in September 2009 as part of the project “Haida Material Culture in British Museums: Generating New Forms of Knowledge”:
This object was viewed alongside shamanic material on Friday Sept 11, 2009. It was identified as a whale or sea lion tooth. See also the entry for 1891.49.112, identified as a whale tooth used in healing practices for digging or drawing things out of an ailing body. Delegates requested shamanic material not be displayed. [CAK 31/03/2010]

Primary Documentation

Accession book entry: 'From Rev. Ch. Harrison, 80 Halton Rd, Canonbury Sq. N. Collection of Haida objects collected by him.... - 111-114 Found unentered: 2 large and [blank] 2 small teeth (unperforated).' This entry is unsigned and undated.

No catalogue cards have been found. [JC 4 9 1996]

Written on object - HAIDA. C. HARRISON COLLN. PURCHASED 1891. [El.B 'DCF 2004-2006 What's Upstairs?' 6/12/2005]

Related Documents File - The Haida Project Related Documents File contains video of research sessions and interviews with Haida delegates from September 2009 as part of the project ‘Haida Material Culture in British Museums: Generating New Forms of Knowledge'. It also includes post-visit communications that discuss object provenance. For extensive photographic, video, and textual records documenting the Haida research visit as a whole, including but not limited to preparations of objects for handling, travel logistics, British Museum participation, transcribed notes from research sessions and associated public events held at PRM, see the Haida Project Digital Archive, stored with the Accessions Registers. Original hand-written notes taken during research sessions have been accessioned into the Manuscripts collection, in addition to select other materials. [CAK 02/06/2010]