'' Harpoon"
"The Harpoon" originated with this: approx 1000 year old, made of fossil walrus Ivory,for whale hunting, harpoon head. This piece is from St.Lawrence Island Alaska, from the Punuk Period. Part of its history; it was beach washed, lost in the Bering Sea for a great period of time. This gives it a smooth, even, patina. Quite a feat, considering the odds of it making it to shore intact, as most are cracked, broken, or in pieces. Compare it to the other parts of this three piece assembly: the center piece, forshaft and harpoon head. The other two pieces were dug from tundra. All three are approx. the same age.
The blade is damascus steel
The rope, wraps, and clasps, are sinew
The shaft is hand crafted-(not lathe) black walnut
The shaft end is Jet and fossil walrus Ivory
Elk leather
Two added artifacts, what a hunter may have carried. A toggle carved from walrus jawbone, centuries old, and a very nice fossil walrus ivory, carved harpoon head (for seal) from first Punuk period.
The base is yewood
The "Hunter" support is made of steel.
Design, finish and patina-Tim Wassman
Design, fabrication-Kevin Houshour
"The Harpoon" created by WAE
70" L X 56-1/2" H X 15" W
NFS for now