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SAM'S collection
Serving Spool
Serving Spool

Serving Spool

Date19th century
Maker Makah
Label TextWooden spools hold nettle fiber cordage that was used to wrap the leader section of a whale harpoon line, that part attached to the harpoon point. Whaling equipment has to function precisely to perform this dangerous job successfully, but the making and use of such apparatus was shrouded in reverence and secrecy. Images received in the dreams and visions of the whaler were transferred to his tools: here, the ends are carved with gray whale faces.
Object number92.11
Credit LineGift of the Native Arts of the Americas and Oceania Council of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions2 3/16 in. (5.56 cm) L.: 18 1/4 in. Diam.: 2 3/8 in.
MediumYew wood
Naxw (Halibut hook)
Native American
ca. 1880
Object number: 91.1.126
Tlingit
late 19th century
Object number: 2024.19.122
Gambling sticks
Native American
late 19th century
Object number: 91.1.99
Halibut hook (Naxw)
Native American
ca. 1890
Object number: 91.1.105
Xúud sajee
Native American
ca. 1870
Object number: 83.231
Salish
ca. 1890
Object number: 2006.26
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Walter E. Varney
1934
Object number: 34.155
Makah
ca. 1900
Object number: 91.23.1