Crooked Knife

DateProbably 1850-1900

MediumMaple wood, steel blade, and copper wire

DimensionsOverall: 11 x 3 x 1 15/16in. (27.9 x 7.6 x 4.9cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1989.708.1

DescriptionA knife whose wooden handle incorporates an angle of about 45 degrees, the handle being carved in the shape of a female figure, the steel blade being blunt-ended. Copper wire wrapping reinforces the join of blade and wood.

Artist unidentified.
Label TextThe crooked knife was a ubiquitous tool in the American and Canadian backwoods; it was employed by both native Americans and whites for a number of gouging, splitting, and/or wood-smoothing operations, these particularized uses being at least partially dependent upon the specific knife's handle- and blade-shape, which varied widely (note 1).
The straight blade of this particular crooked knife would lend itself to smoothing or splitting operations as, for example, required in basketmaking. Yet this knife's specific function, origin, and maker remain unidentified. It may have been fashioned by a native American (probably a Micmac, Passamaquoddy, or Penobscot) but, if so, its imagery appears to have been heavily influenced by white culture. The female figure's gouge-cut floral decorations, inscribed sash and, particularly, her serene and detailed naturalistic expression all suggest Anglo, rather than native associations. One other crooked knife featuring a female figure has been noted; it is attributed to an eastern woodlands native American and described as possibly inspired by a ship's figurehead, a connection that seems even more applicable to the Center's example (note 2).

InscribedIncised in script on the sash across the figure's chest is "Presant [sic] From C. Lamb [? Only the first letter of the last name is clearly legible]."
ProvenanceProvenance prior to William H. Guthman (Guthman Americana, Westport, Conn.), is unknown.