Materials

Description

This scabbard of a knife is shaped like the head and part of the body of a fish. It is stained brown with black markings that illustrate the finer details of the fish. A small divot sits at the tip of the scabbard, representing the mouth. A third of the way from the tip sits the eye. The shape is carved from the inside outward. A small, wood burned circle makes up the iris. There are a series of curved, burned lines that circle the eye. Past the eye are the gills which are carved into the side with curved “V” shapes. Along the sides of the fish are scales made of small, tight circles which appear to be burned in. Two-thirds of the way from the tip is a brass fitting and the fin. The brass fitting is fastened by two bronze screws, which then tapers down to an elongated pin. The fitting appears to be hand forged as there are imperfections on the piece that attaches to the scabbard and on the pin. The fins are pointed toward the dorsal (top) part of the fish. Along the dorsal and belly side of the fish are multiples lines angled towards the base.  At the end of the scabbard is a brass ring that sits flush with the rest of the scabbard. At the base of the scabbard, where the knife is inserted, sits the accession number. 

Marks/Labels

Accession Number: 78.1.107a

Category