Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka). <em>Bone Club (Ch'it'uut)</em>, 18th century. Whale bone, 19 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/16 in. (48.9 x 7 x 2.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1905, Museum Collection Fund, 05.588.7267. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.588.7267_acetate_bw.jpg)

Bone Club (Ch'it'uut)

Artist:Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka)

Medium: Whale bone

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:18th century

Dimensions: 19 1/4 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/16 in. (48.9 x 7 x 2.7 cm)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 05.588.7267

Image: 05.588.7267_acetate_bw.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
The whalebone object is a flat sword-shaped club. On top of handle is a carved thunderbird with two pierced holes. Due to an old break, the thunderbird's beak is missing. As found on many clubs, an incised, upside-down head is at the bottom. Each side of the club has a row of small round holes linked to each other by a simple vertical incised pattern. The front has five round holes; the back has three. The object has a rich patina indicating use and age. Regarding object above, see Steve Brown, "The Spirit Within," containing story told on the west coast of Vancouver Island by whaling nobility representatives (Nitin or Dit-i-Daht).

Brooklyn Museum