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Plains Indian Carved Totem Spoon 19th Century

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 1,250.00 USD
Plains Indian Carved Totem Spoon 19th Century
This lot features a fine Plains Native American Indian carved totem effigy spoon from circa 19th Century. The spoon is carved from the bark of a Ponderosa Pine Tree and shows a very totem pictorial design. The first symbol along the top shows the Sun and was thought to be the natural phenomenon that governs all of life. Below this is a winding snake effigy symbol, generally meant to represent fertility or a creative life force along with healing, eternity and a renewal of life. The snake requires a life long relationship to the sun. The last symbol on the totem carved spoon is the rabbit symbol which is associated with fertility and abundance. The piece shows a deep red and brown coloring with correct patina and age. The top shows a pierced hole which would have been used to store the spoon on a drop of hide. The piece is very unique and considered to be a historic authentic piece. Judging age and origin for a piece of this medium is difficult, but the piece is believed to be of an early 19th-20th Century age. Please review the pictures for origin, age, and condition. Measures overall 8 1/4"L x 2 1/8 "W.