Iroquois (Onondaga) Elm Effigy Medicine Ladle

Circa: 1780
Size: 4 1/4" OAL; (bowl) 2 7/8" W x 2"
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The small scale of this piece should be noted. This rare ladle was carved for administering medicine and of a design meant to aid in recovery. As mentioned in my book, some ladles were carved based on visions or dreams brought on by illness and subsequently those designs were used in the creation of medicine ladles. The crescent on top is similar to a Seneca ladle in the collection at the American Museum of Natural History (cat.# 50.1/1519).

The shape of the bowl is decidedly clam-like. The top crescent may represent a quahog shell (from which wampum was made-the Onondaga were the keepers of the wampum.)

Literature: Illustrated and discussed in North American Burl Treen, page 166, plate 9/11.

Related: The crescent on top is similar to a Seneca ladle in the collection at the American Museum of Natural History (cat.# 50.1/15/9).

Provenance: Private NY; Steve Powers; Peter Brams; Steve Powers; Private Collection Santa Fe

HIGH RESOLUTION AND ADDITIONAL IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE.

Condition: Excellent with wear comensurate with age, including an old, small triangular chip at the front of the bowl. Maintains a super smooth, complex dry patina. Comes with custom mount.

Price: $4,800.00

ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED AS REPRESENTED