Tomahawk from the Jim Dresslar Collection

Category: Tomahawk
Region: Northeast
Tribe: Unknown
Period: 1825-1850
Materials: Wood; metal; pewter
Description: Early eastern pipe tomahawk with pewter inlay. Pewter mouthpiece in the likeness of a fish. Pewter inlays on handle inscribed on right side with an indian shooting a bow and a dog at his feet. Inlay on the left side inscribed with a bow and arrow. Blade inscribed with initials "WJL". Hinged lid covers the pipe bowl.

Dimensions: Length 17.25 inches

Provenance: Jim Dresslar Collection

References: Baldwin, John, Tomahawks - Pipe Axes of the American Frontier, Early American Artistry-Trading Company, West Olive, Michigan, 1995, pp 2

Hartzler, Daniel D. and James A. Knowles, Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersmen Belt Axes, Daniel D. Hartzler and James A. Knowles, 1995, pp 162, Fig. 100

Baldwin, John, Indian War Clubs of the American Frontier,Early American Artistry-Trading Company, West Olive, Michigan, 2001, pp 15, Fig. 7

Copy and photos from Splendid Heritage.

Quilled Knife Case from Eastern Great Lakes

Collection: Warnock
Category: Knife-Knife Case
Region: Northeast
Tribe: Great Lakes - Eastern Great Lakes
Period: 1775-1800
Materials: Native tanned and black dyed deerskin; dyed and natural porcupine quills; brass cones and dyed red deerhair.
Description: Knife case is decorated with quillwork including a heart shaped design in red, yellow and white quills, a central vertical band in red, black, and yellow, zigzag white lines, etc. Case is attached to neck strap which includes segment of netted quillwork.

Dimensions: Length (with strap) 20.5 inches 52 cm; Length (case only) 10.4 inches 26 cm
Provenance: Charles Messiter Collection, Alexander Gallery, Epic Fine Arts Co./Masco Corp.

Exhibitions: Akicita, The Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, May 17 1983 - July 10, 1983

Splendid Heritage, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, Santa Fe, May 27, 1995 - September 27, 1995,
Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, October 23, 1998 - October 3, 1999
Splendid Heritage, The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City, February 10, 2009 - March 1, 2010
References: Sotheby's Auction Catalogue, Sotheby's, New York, Sale 4842Y, Lot 287, April 24, 1982

Warnock, John and Marva, eds, Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian Art, University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 2009, pp 71

Copy and photos from Splendid Heritage.

Sioux-Santee Ball Head War Club

Collection: Warnock
Item Number: WC8612011
Category: Club - Ball Head War Club
Region: Plains
Tribe: Sioux - Santee
Period: 1775-1800
Materials: Maple wood; iron spike; red pigment
Description: Ball head club with iron spike fitted into face of ball. Human figure (heavily damaged) is carved clinging to the back of the club and grasping the ball.

Dimensions: Length - 22.12 inches Width 5.5 inches Length - 56.2cm Width 14 cm

Provenance: Alexander Gallery Epic Fine Arts Co./Masco Corp.

Exhibitions: Splendid Heritage, The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Salt Lake City, February 10, 2009 - March 1, 2010

References: Warnock, John and Marva, eds, Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian Art, University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 2009, pp 44

Copy and photos from Splendid Heritage.