-40%

Knapped Obsidian Knife.Native American Style.Horn Handle.Sinew. #5 Gray

$ 61.77

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Culture: Native American: US
  • Condition: Excellent condition. Displayed only.
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Artisan: Unknown
  • Tribal Affiliation: Blackfoot
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Provenance: Winders Collections
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Item must be returned within: 30 Days
  • Origin: United States

    Description

    I bought this and several others (some already sold) from a Blackfoot Indian who had a small weekend trading business.  I know he had a number of non-native friends and customers, and dealt in some re-enactment articles, so I do not know if the maker of this knife was Indian, Anglo, or what, but that was not important to me - the maker was an expert.   I have been trying to make various Native American items off and on for 70 years, and I am good at some of it.  Not at flint knapping.  It is difficult!  It takes a lot of skill!  Different skills and talents are involved than woodcarving or stone carving or pipe making or featherwork.   And a lot of patience and breakage and more patience.
    The workmanship on this knife is amazing.  Uniform flakes. Very thin and sharp edge.  Sturdy attachment to the horn (sheep, I think) handle, with very tight sinew.   It can be used as a paper knife (letter opener) without danger of damaging it, and undoubtedly will cut, but unless you are skilled enough in the art enough to resharpen any breakage, I wouldn't do it.  Neta had these on display with a bunch of French crystal and porcelain items - connecting theme being skilled artists and "things I like".  I had several on my office wall, as well.
    This one has a gray obsidian blade with a darker streak..  10" long, 4" blade.