Charm c. late 19th century

Here we have a ‘Charm’ made by Tlingit artists, its exact date is unknown. This small sculpture, likely carved from bone or antler, captures the essence of an animal form through simplified shapes and tactile details. The surface is smooth, with subtle variations in tone that suggest the natural grain of the material. Notice how the artist used incised lines to delineate the creature’s back and sides, creating a sense of texture. The head is particularly striking, with a cross-hatched pattern. From a structuralist perspective, the charm operates as a sign. The abstracted animal form may function as a representation of symbolic concepts that are meaningful within Tlingit culture. It might be interpreted as a visual marker that signifies identity and worldview.