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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
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A Huge and Exceptional Eskimo Walrus Tusk Ice Cleaver.
Walrus Tusk ‘Odobenus Rosmarus’.
Superb golden colour and patina.
Arctic / Bering Strait.
18th Century or earlier.
PROVENANCE:
Ex Private French collection.
Ex Finch and Co, September 2015.
Ex Private collection.
Of immense size and weight this ice cleaver / ice knife / scraper probably served a number of tasks during the building of an ‘igloo’. The extra weight of this knife compared to normal ‘snow knives’ suggests more of a ‘chopping’ motion, rather than cutting, and a ‘shaping tool’ rather than the knives used to dust off freshly fallen snow. It is possible from the colour and size of this very large example, that the ‘blade’ or cleaver was fashioned from a very large ‘excavated’ walrus tusk, rather than freshly acquired tooth.
Dimensions
62cm long - 7.5cm wide (max) - 24½ ins long, 3 ins wide (max)The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
