Posted 14 years ago
Tmmartin
(1 item)
I have an unusual object that I have not been able to identify or find any information about. I was hoping you might be able to give me some information about this piece or give me some suggestions for further research.
I do not know it’s purpose or who made it. I don’t think it was made by a major manufacturer. I believe was made by a primitive people, possibly Alaskan or Indian. It looks like some kind of anvil for sewing. Possibly used on the lap across the thigh for sewing leather or punching holes in leather, hides, fish skin. It has a carved fish figure on one side and has finely braided leather strips. A handle perhaps but for a small hand, possibly a woman's skill. I think it was used with the flat part across the leg of the person working. The wood is very smooth except for the top which looks like it has been used to pound something. It appears to have a natural finish on the wood.
It is 6 3/4" long and 3" wide at the base, it has an slight triangle with the center thickest at 1/2" thick and 1/8" at the edges. The center with the handle strap is 1" by 3/4" and 4" tall. The round top is 2 1/4" across. The wood looks like a hardwood possible maple. The piece was made from one solid piece of wood.
As you can see in the photo with my hand on the piece, it is a tight fit for my hand which is short but I have a wide palm. The width between the two points where the leather strap attaches is only 2 1/4" apart. The hand does fit comfortably around the curved of handle.
Any information on the item would be greatly appreciated. I thought you would enjoy seeing such an unusual piece as well. Enjoy Viewing!
cobbler's tool maybe?
Possibly, but most of those tools are made of iron and secured to a table top.
I have been to several sites for Shoe Making, Sewing, Hat Making, Wood working, and check information on tools used by Eskimos or Indians but haven't seen anything that seemed to match this piece.
The mushroom top appears to have marked up or pounded on.
The piece is made of one solid piece of wood carved into this shape. All surfaces are polished smooth without any finishes applied to the wood. The top has a rough texture. Then there is the carving on one side of what seems to be the handle. It is very primitive looking.
ice scraper for an amish buggy, lol
take a pic of it beside your hand so we know the approximate size
Thanks for your suggestion. I just added more photos and the size of this piece. There is a photo showing a closeup of the carving on the side. Looks like some kind of animal.
It is an Ethiopian head rest. You have it upside down.
https://www.chairish.com/product/1545094/fine-african-ethiopian-mursi-hand-carved-wood-headrest-w-leather-braid-9-w
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fondazione_Passar%C3%A9_-_166_-_Etiopia_-_Poggiatesta_etnia_Kara.jpg
And scroll down about half way for this one:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2604247/Inside-Ethiopian-reconciliation-ritual-involves-smeared-DUNG-barbecue-afterwards.html