Large Punuk Needle Case

E 234) A superb and exceptionally large needle case. Decorated with circular, linear and serrated patterns, the body of the case is flanked by two fins decorated with incised circle/dot motifs to either side. Needle cases were used to preserve the precious ivory or bone sewing needles used to create, but most importantly, to repair the clothing while outside of the dwelling, as a torn garment loses the protection against the extreme cold.

St. Lawrence Island, Bering Strait, Alaska.
Punuk culture, 600 - 900 AD.
Mineralized Walrus tusk (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) with a superb golden patina of age and use (an old lacuna to the back). 12.5 x 3 x 1.8 cm.

Literature: See plate XXIV in DECORATIVE DESIGNS OF ALASKAN NEEDLECASES : A STUDY IN THE HISTORY OF CONVENTIONAL DESIGNS, BASED ON MATERIALS IN THE U. S. NATIONALMUSEUM. By Franz Boas, Proceedings of the United States National Museum, XXXIV, (1616), pp. 321–344, 16 figs., 9 pls. 1908.