Featured Mystery creature

This strange piece is part of a collection of mostly Inuit pieces but does not look like it "belongs". Have any of you come across anything similar?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

artistic beetle or bug representation...of some sort...
is it wood ?

1890
dec 15.....
a pretty specific date to place on the item......likely not the carver..

 

How big is it? Amulet size? Big and sturdy enough to be functional in some way?

 

Dimensions are 4 1/2" H X 2 1/4" W X 1/2" D

 

Is the bend in the middle of it fixed in place, or hinged so that it moves? Just curious, but it might help somebody who knows more than I do.

 

If we say that the side with the writing is the "back", it looks like it might be designed to have a strap threaded through the long slots on either side of the part with the writing - down from the "front" on one side, across the "back" (over the writing) and back up through the other slot to the front. Does that seem feasible - are there any signs of wear that would correspond to such use?

It also looks like the end with the carved squares is convex on both sides (front and back) - is that correct?

 

Does it come apart ? I thought it was a belt buckle at first glance.

 

How does it look from the side?

 

Good question -- I was going to ask that earlier, and forgot to put it in my post.

 

It has the look of a seat belt to me

 

The 1846, Dec 15, must have some meaning to someone, unless it's just a carved date...........

 

It is unhinged. This far, no other images available

 

Sometimes....I think I'm unhinged too !!!!

 

An Antiquers membership prerequisite.

 

Ditto!

 

If you turn it 1/4 turn with the pointy things sticking up it looks like a man with his arms up. Big nose?

 

I agree!

 

like this!