ESKIMO INUIT Bentwood Lidded TINDER BOX/ GAME BOX w/ Contents!
ESKIMO INUIT Bentwood Lidded TINDER BOX/ GAME BOX w/ Contents!
Origin: Arctic Ocean, Bering Sea, St. Lawrence Island, Inuit People (Provenance: Found in an old UK collection)
Period/Date: At least 1940's, likely older
Materials: Red Cedar and other woods, red ocher pigment, forged iron tacks, bark or rattan (contents: shell, bone, horn, string etc)
Description: This classic ovoid bentwood box has warm color and wonderful form. The top and bottom panels look like Red Cedar. It is all original with nicely fitting contoured lid. It was used as a tinder, game box or both. The bentwood bark interior is accented with applied red ocher. What's fascinating is it comes with its "as found" contents including: a shell and bone necklace, carved horn fish talisman with inset eyes, a think wedged shaped piece of Abalone shell. The bonus item I'm including, appears to be used for fire starting. Email me to request other photos. It shows obvious use and is in good condition.
Dimensions: Length: 9” (23 cm), Height 4.5” (11.5 cm), width 3.25” (8.5 cm)