Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, Thule period, ca. 1200 to 1700 CE. This is an interesting whale bone wrist covering to protect an archer's wrist as he or she held a bow from the percussion of the bowstring when released. The guard is hand-carved, using the natural curve of the bone to hug the wearer's wrist with piercings on both sides for a cord to secure the guard in place. The exterior face is incised with simple geometric and linear patterns that may have symbolized a clan affiliation or the owner of the piece. The size suggests a child or someone with petite wrists may have once used this for bow fishing or hunting. Size: 3.125" L x 1.5" W (7.9 cm x 3.8 cm) Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #169863