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Spoon

Datec. 1900
DimensionsOverall: 2 × 1 × 6 5/8 in. (5.1 × 2.5 × 16.8 cm)
Object numberT0133
Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw
Photograph by Richard Walker
Label TextThe Klamath and Trinity River tribes (Yurok, Hupa, Karuk) were highly stratified and placed great emphasis upon personal wealth, consisting of dentalia shells, obsidian blades, white deer skins, woodpecker scalps, and other ceremonial goods. They lived well, utilizing the resources of the rivers and ocean, and also the forests around them. Like other tribes they made great use of acorns and created twined baskets for processing and cooking them. They had many dances and feasts, at which these elegant elk antler spoons were used by the men; the women ate with mussel shells. (c.f. Goddard 1903, pl.16; Conn 1979, figs. 369 & 370; Miles 1963, p.184) Elk antlers were the property of aristocratic families. To prepare the spoons, sections of antler were cut into flat pieces and steamed until they were flexible. When the spoon shape had been cut out, it was allowed to harden, and then smoothed by grinding. A great variety of shapes was made, but all retain a slender febrile vitality of scale, often with zig-zag stem configurations. (From the Catalog of the Thaw Collection of American Indian Art, 2nd ed.)
Exhibition History"Art Des Indiens D'Amerique Du Nord Dans La Collection D'Eugene Thaw," Mona Bismarck Foundation, Paris, France, Somogy Editions D'Art, January 21, 2000 - March 18, 2000.
ProvenanceWilliam E. Channing, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.256.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 277.
On View
On view
Spoon
Yurok
c. 1900
Spoon
Yurok
c. 1900
Spoon
Yurok
c. 1900
Spoon
Yurok
c. 1900
Spoon
Yurok
1890-1900
Digging Stick Handle
Western Plateau region
Probably 18th century
Spoon
Haida
c. 1870
Spoon
Western Sioux type
c. 1890
Roach Spreader
Menomini
c. 1850
Comb
Seneca (Haudenosaunee)
1660-1675
Ladle
Wishxam or Wasco
1800-1850
Effigy Comb
Seneca (Haudenosaunee)
1670-1687

5798 STATE HIGHWAY 80
COOPERSTOWN NY, 13326
607-547-1400

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