Knife

Art Historical Context

This exquisite nephrite jade knife, originating from prehistoric cultures at Cape Prince of Wales in, exemplifies the ingenuity of North American Indigenous peoples. Carved from nephrite—a dense, tough variety of jade prized for its durability—this small tool measures just over 2 inches in height and less than half an inch thick, yet it was likely used for cutting, scraping, or hunting tasks essential to daily survival in the harsh Arctic environment. Its simple, functional form highlights the practical artistry of prehistoric artisans, who transformed a challenging hardstone into a razor-shar...