Description: Material: Bone (semi-fossified)Measurements: 4 1/2"W x 2 1/2"D x 1 3/8"HWeight: 174 gramsMarking: Numbered "S058"Age: AD 500 ~ 1000Area: St. Lawrence Island, Alaska Condition: Semi-fossified. Visible wear from heavy use and age. With 11 cavities and great patina. Please check all the pictures for condition details. All the pictures are part of the Description of the Item. This item is an antique Inuit / Eskimo artifact Fire Starter Socket, AD 500 ~ 1000. A socket is also called "top cap" or "capstone" (if made from stone). The ancient Eskimos use bow drills to start fires, as shown in attached picture # 12. The socket is placed on top of the bow drill shaft as a weight to force the shaft down onto a piece of wood containing the tinder to be ignited. This piece of bone does not seem to be cut from a bigger, longer bone. Our theory is that the Eskimo found a small piece of bone from a dead animal that had died long long time ago. Then the Eskimo decided to use it as a fire starter socket. The first cavities were made in the center of the socket, on both larger sides. When these cavities / holes were through or almost through, they could not hold the shaft anymore. Thus other cavities were created, away from the center of the socket, even on the narrow side of the socket. After many years of usage, 11 cavities were added to this socket. A smaller hole could have been there for a rope or string, so that this tool could be carry on one's body, or even like a pendant. Notes 1. Shipping Charges include: postage, insurance, packing and handling costs; and eBay fees on Shipping.2. International buyers are responsible for Customs Duties or Import Taxes, if any. So please check the import regulations in your country before buying or making offers.3. Domestic and international returns are acceptable. In the case of a return, Buyer must contact Seller within 7 days after receiving the item. Return shipping will be paid by Buyer.4. I do "Combined Shipping" when it is possible. If you want "Combined Shipping", please check with me for shipping charges BEFORE buying. If you have any question or request, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Price: 1250 CAD
Location: Toronto, Ontario
End Time: 2024-08-30T13:24:10.000Z
Shipping Cost: 34.99 CAD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Featured Refinements: Eskimo Carving
Tribal Affiliation: Inuit
Country/Region of Manufacture: Canada
Modified Item: No
Handmade: Yes
Culture: Canadian Aboriginal
