Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 205:
Historic Bone Netting Needle, 19th Century, Used in the Great Basin Region
This large bone netting needle measures 6 1/2 inches and dates to the historic period, circa 1850 to 1900. Crafted from a single piece of bone, the tool was shaped with metal knives and files into a long straight tapered form with a characteristic slit style eye. This elongated slit eye is a hallmark of European derived net making technology that spread widely across North America during the nineteenth century.
Although the design originated in European maritime traditions, needles of this type were commonly used throughout the Great Basin and surrounding regions during the historic era. Both Native and non Native fishermen adopted these tools for river, lake, and marsh netting, and tribes such as the Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone, and Washoe incorporated European style netting equipment into their fishing practices during the 1800s.
The size and form indicate it was intended for large fishing nets such as seine nets, gill nets, or trap nets, rather than the smaller rabbit net needles of the prehistoric period. The smooth surfaces, uniform shaping, and straight even slit all reflect metal tool manufacture, placing the piece firmly in the historic era rather than prehistoric Indigenous production.
Condition is excellent for age, with smooth surfaces, an intact slit eye, and a well preserved tapered point. No modern alterations are present.
Provenance: Late Chuck Asher Collection.
Condition: Authentic
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