Deconstructed (or Partially Carved) Wooden Whimsy Chain ceramic sugar bowl I believe this vintage Native

I believe this vintage Native American (Northwest Coast or Alaskan) carved bone letter opener dates to the 1930s or 1940s

Beautifully crafted with hand-painted features

they do show plenty of wear

with cut out letters

including a mother and three ducklings

Deconstructed (or Partially Carved) Wooden Whimsy Chain ceramic sugar bowl I believe this vintage NativeMy guess is that this is a carved whimsy chain abandoned mid way through, but I like to think of it as a deconstruction of the carving process, showing the progression from beginning to final carving in an almost diagrammatic manner, complete with pencil drawn outlines on the uncarved end, and increasingly fine links at the other. A pretty cool object in any case I think, and a fun one to wave around! Great condition, with a nice warm patina. 9" l x