Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 203:
Late Prehistoric One Piece Bone Fishhook, Great Basin / Plateau Region (AD 1200–1800)
This late prehistoric one piece bone fishhook comes from the Great Basin or Plateau region and dates to approximately AD 1200 to 1800. Carved from a single piece of bone, the hook features a smoothly rounded line attachment head and an inward angled point designed for effective snagging under tension. This form is characteristic of Indigenous fishing technology used by ancestral Northern Paiute, Western Shoshone, and related Plateau groups.
The surface patina, hand shaped contours, and traditional curved profile reflect authentic manufacture and long term age. The bone shows natural smoothing, edge rounding, and a stable aged surface consistent with prolonged use and burial. These traits support genuine prehistoric origin rather than later historic manufacture.
This is a well preserved example of early Native American fishing equipment from the interior West, illustrating the practical and efficient bone tool traditions of the region. The hook measures 1 5/8 inches in length and remains complete with no modern restoration or alteration.
Provenance: Late Chuck Asher Collection.
Condition: Authentic
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