By exchange

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Tessim Zorach

Black steatite bird-effigy pipe. Bowl rises from center of bird’s back with pipe stem under its tail. Wings rendered in high relief, legs tucked under belly but turned the wrong way (forward) compared to a normal bird who would curl his feet backwards .Round eyes and raptor-like beak. Other examples of this pipe: two dogs found in Copena but rare to find them associated with Copena overall as most found in Middle Tennessee and Middle Kentucky.

The Sioux gun stock club (bottom in photograph) is made of red pipestone too brittle to use for battle. It may have been used in ceremonies since the lead inlays represent potent images; the sun, a bison, a deer, a thunderbird, hearts and arrows. Alternatively, it may have been made for sale. The reverse side at one time also had lead inlays and shows markings that may be more related to astrological signs, half moons, stars and crossed diamonds.

This plummet is deeply carved head of a bird (bottom in photograph). The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. Some uses for these types of plummets are: weights to be used in weaving, sinkers for fishing, personal talismans or ornaments.This plummet is deeply carved head of a bird (center in photograph). The feathers are indicated sweeping around the neck. The eyes are perhaps characteristic of the bird’s species. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. Suggested uses for these types of plummets are: weights to be used in weaving, sinkers for fishing, personal talismans or ornamental pendants suspended from the neck or waist either by the elite class or by commoners as dance performance display. There is an early sketch of several dancers wearing such plummets dangling from their waists entertaining what appear to be elite people. Hundreds of these plummets have been found mostly just tapered so these are especially fine as carved to represent local fauna.

This plummet is deeply carved head of a bird . The feathers are indicated sweeping around the neck. The top knot is perhaps characteristic of the bird’s species. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. Suggested uses for these types of plummets are: weights to be used in weaving, sinkers for fishing, personal talismans or ornamental pendants suspended from the neck or waist either by the elite class or by commoners as dance performance display. There is an early sketch of several dancers wearing such plummets dangling from their waists entertaining what appear to be elite people. Hundreds of these plummets have been found mostly just tapered so these are especially fine as carved to represent local fauna.

This plummet is deeply carved head or a turtle or a bird. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. Suggested uses for these types of plummets are: weights to be used in weaving, sinkers for fishing, personal talismans or ornamental pendants suspended from the neck or waist either by the elite class or by commoners as dance performance display. There is an early sketch of several dancers wearing such plummets dangling from their waists entertaining what appear to be elite people. Hundreds of these plummets have been found mostly just tapered so these are especially fine as carved to represent local fauna.

Such simple mauls are a very ancient artifact type on the Northwest Coast, and this one could be prehistoric. Though quite elegant they are perfectly carved to fit comfortably in the hand for heavy pounding.

Large stone bear or mountain lion with inlaid turquoise eyes and painted zig zag mouth.

Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund