Have another stumper...

[Snapper]

I don't know what this is or what it is made of. Bone, ivory? It's 5.5" long and it's very heavy. The hole is about 1/2" deep. Can anyone tell me anything about this? Thank you.

[sapphire]

Snapper, is there another opening.....at an end? If not, possibly made to be a handle?

[Snapper]

No other holes, just that one.

[sapphire]

My other idea.........


http://library.mysticseaport.org/ere/odetail.cfm?id_number=1939.2045


Metal auger bit for wood working fitted to polished whale's tooth handle.

[mart]

That was my idea too Sapphire !! This one looks like the bit was not put in yet,, no adhesive/glue left in hole !!  My dad had one very similar in his tool box for years but never saw him use it except for drilling starter holes in sheetrock !!

[talesofthesevenseas]

Maybe it is just the photos, but does it look like wood to anyone besides me? Snapper, this page should help you to identify if it is bone, celluloid or ivory. http://www.antiquegamblingchips.com/distinguish_iv_bon_cel.htm If it is ivory, you should see a double criss-crossing grain on very close inspection. It may be very faint and visible in some parts but not others. Here is a good example of what to look for. This is my ivory parasol handle:

[wendy177]

Yup Tales looks like wood to me also.

[mart]

Could be petrified wood if its that heavy !! Polished would look similar !!

[fancypants]

Looks like the item was cut from a chunk of fossilized walrus tusk , if I'm not mistaken ...

Also looks a bit unlike many Inuit pieces seen by me , in that it's finished in a very angular fashion (seemes 'newer') .

I'm thinking a fishing related item , not so much an ulu handle though ...

[KC]

I was thinking along the same lines as a fishing item/handle as well fancypants!

[cogar]

My first thought was that it looks like a hammer or gavel "head" that someone was making for "the Judge" ...... and the hole is for inserting the handle into. 

[Snapper]

You guys are great! I'll check everything out. Thank you so much.

[mart]

I give !!  Whats an ulu   Never mind I will look it up !!

Looks like the item was cut from a chunk of fossilized walrus tusk , if I'm not mistaken ...

Also looks a bit unlike many Inuit pieces seen by me , in that it's finished in a very angular fashion (seemes 'newer') .

I'm thinking a fishing related item , not so much an ulu handle though ...

[KC]

This is a ulu....traditionall y used by women in the kitchen!!!!

[fancypants]

Another couple of ulus ... first one has a handle of petrified Oosik (not to be confused with ulu !!!) .