United States, Northeast Coast, Martha's Vineyard, ca. late 17th century. What a remarkable example of early Americana - east coast Native American artifacts. Woven basket and original slingshot from the time of early colonization of Martha's Vineyard which occurred in 1641. Oval basket in openwork weave with rolled edges and small handles to each side. Inside is the most remarkable part of this find - a reed, horse-hair rope and basketry slingshot and three original round stone projectiles along with single flint arrowhead. A note in the basket (although written long after 1700) indicates "This basket and slingshot was made and used by the Gay Head Indians in Martha's Vineyard Mass about 1700, G.W. Drew." Size: 5.25" L x 3.5" W x 3.25" H (13.3 cm x 8.9 cm x 8.3 cm)

One can only imagine that weapons like this were used for hunting game animals as well as fighting the recently arriving colonists. When the Spanish invaded Peru, slings were one of the deadliest weapons they encountered.

Gay Head Indians refers to the Wampanoag people who lived in Gay Head (Aquinnah) on Martha's Vineyard. In 1998 the name of the town was officially changed from Gay Head back to its original Wampanoag name of Aquinnah by the state legislature.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#190956

    Condition:
  • Wear to basket as found, else in remarkable condition

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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