Lot 56

Native American Mississippian Stone Spud, Flared Bit Rat Tail

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Lot 56
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Native American Mississippian Stone Spud, Flared Bit Rat Tail
Native American Mississippian Stone Spud, Flared Bit Rat Tail
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Native American Mississippian Stone Spud, Flared Bit Rat Tail

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $350

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
August 6, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Native American, Southeastern United States, Tennessee, Mississippian culture, ca. 800–1600 CE. A large prestige item known as a spud of the flared-bit, rat-tail form, ground and polished from a dense mottled stone. The rat-tail designation refers to the long tapering stem that distinguishes these spuds from shorter forms, and likely served hafted as a ceremonial axe or emblem of rank within the political and ritual hierarchies of southeastern chiefdoms. Reportedly found in Tennessee. Size: 17.5" L x 3" W (44.5 cm L x 7.6 cm W).

Provenance: private Colorado, USA Collection; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA collection; ex-private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection, ex-private Flushing, New York and Ridgeway, Colorado, USA collection

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Item # 202887

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Old inventory number written on the surface.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000