Kawesqar Bone Harpoon Tip – Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Tierra del Fuego Harpoon Tip
This rare bone harpoon tip, measuring 6.75 inches in length, originates from Tierra del Fuego in Chilean Patagonia, home to the Kawesqar people, a maritime indigenous group known for their seal-hunting and seafaring traditions. Acquired in the 1960s by a world traveler, this piece was hand-carved and used for marine hunting, reflecting the ingenuity of a culture that thrived in the harsh coastal environments of the Brunswick Peninsula and the remote islands northwest of the Strait of Magellan.
The exact date of creation is unknown; however, based on its stylistic attributes and patina, it can be reasonably attributed to the 18th or 19th century. Crafted from whale or sea mammal bone, the harpoon exhibits a light, naturally aged patina, suggesting possible long-term exposure to the elements, which may indicate it was a surface find. Utilitarian tools like this were essential for survival, allowing the Kawesqar to hunt efficiently in the challenging waters of southern Patagonia. A fascinating anthropological artifact from a culture that now numbers fewer than 3,000 members, this harpoon offers a tangible connection to one of the last indigenous maritime hunter-gatherer societies of Patagonia.
Measures: 6.75″; Riker box included.
Provenance: Private Florida collection; R. Van Atta collection. Fort Worth, TX
Price: S785. – Domestic Delivery Included
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases