A Tsimshian antler clubA Tsimshian antler clubFashioned from the stem and first tine of a large bull elk or caribou antler, the top of the club carved to depict the head of a bear, the features executed with subtle yet precise definition, the ears delineated and flattened back, a wide tracheal ridge descending from the lower jaw to the base of the tapered striking tine, adze marks evident down the naturally curved haft.length 16 1/2in, width 5 1/2in See Vincent, Gilbert T., Brydon, Sherry, and Coe, Ralph T., Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection, 2000, University of Washington Press, p. 355, No. T171. Identified as Coast Tsimshian: "A unique type of war club was made in the northern British Columbia region, apparently from very ancient times. Perhaps originating among the Athapaskan peoples, many such club forms (lacking extensive surface decoration) were made by those groups who traditionally hunted caribou. The shape of the coast-style club appears to have been adopted from the Athapaskan model and may have been carved in individual cases from either caribou or elk antler. By utilizing certain of the branching tines of the strong and broadly spreading antlers of a male elk or caribou, there developed a tradition of making a very intriguing and formidable style of hand weapon that could be engraved over its surface with two dimensional designs of the owner's family history. The base of one heavy tine is left to extend out from the main shaft of the club at nearly a right angle, into which a stone or iron point could be joined."In personal communication (August, 2021) with the present owner, former curator of American Indian Art at the Seattle Art Museum, Steven C. Brown, commenting on the minimalist aesthetic of the present lot in comparison to other clubs of the type, observed that: "...the deep and rich surface patina indicates that the club enjoyed a long life of use, with a great deal of handling that produced the polished surfaces apparent over most of the weapon.Northwest Coast artists were hereditary professionals, and not just anyone was entitled to create the ceremonial objects that were the property of chiefs and clan leaders, or works of high esteem that were the exclusive purview of the warrior class, such as helmets, armor, or fighting daggers and clubs like the subject. In its current state, this exquisite example shows evidence of a gifted artist's hand, one more than capable of transforming a half set of antlers into an animated, graceful object of art, and one that must have been greatly respected among its home community. Deep cultural beliefs charge that an artist's spirit imbued their creations, each taking on a life of its own that carried down through the generations. It was a power not to be trifled with."