Vintage Northwest Coast Baleen and Fossil Ivory Segment Bracelet

About the Piece:

This vintage Northwest Coast bracelet is made from alternating segments of baleen and fossil ivory. The deep black baleen contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy white of the ancient fossil ivory, creating a bold graphic pattern around the wrist.

Each little segment has been carefully shaped and then strung on two pieces of stretchy elastic to form an almost sculptural looking band. Bracelets of this style are especially striking when stacked with others from the Northwest Coast region creating a layered, textural look.

This bracelet comes from the estate of a married couple who spent more than sixty years together. From the time they were young newlyweds, collecting Native American jewelry was one of their greatest shared passions, and they continued building their collection throughout their long marriage. Turquoise & Tufa has had the privilege of handling pieces from their collection for the past five years.

This bracelet measures 6 1/4" inside. Since it's on elastic, it stretches to go over your hand. Keep in mind that the bracelet is vintage and the original elastic remains in place. It still retains stretch, but it does need to be handled with care.

Summary:

Item:
Segment bracelet

Attribution:
Northwest Coast Native

Materials:
Baleen and fossil walrus ivory

Dimensions:
6 1/4" inside. 

Signature:
Unsigned

Provenance:
From the collection of a couple who collected Native American and Indigenous jewelry throughout their sixty-year marriage; Turquoise & Tufa has handled pieces from this collection for the past five years.