Knife
Unknown Artist
Medium
Nephrite, light spinach-green
Dimensions
H. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm); W. 7/16 in. (1.1 cm); D. 3/8 in. (1 cm)
Classification
Jade
Culture & Period
North America (Alaska, Kotzebue Sound) · Prehistoric
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
Accession Number
02.18.264
Art Historical Context
This slender prehistoric knife, crafted from light spinach-green nephrite, hails from the Kotzebue Sound region of Alaska in North America. Measuring just 2⅞ inches in height, it exemplifies the compact, functional tools made by ancient Arctic peoples during the prehistoric period. Nephrite, a tough variety of jade prized for its durability and ability to hold a sharp edge, was meticulously carved and polished by hand, showcasing remarkable stone-working skill without metal tools. In the harsh environment of prehistoric Alaska, such knives were essential for daily survival, used for cutting t...