Bidspirit auction | Inuit Soapstone Drill Guide (Bearing

Inuit Soapstone Drill Guide (Bearing Block), with Collection Number - Arctic Canada, mid-20th century or earlier, carved from dark steatite, this compact utilitarian implement is pierced with multiple smoothed holes, once used to steady the shaft of a bow drill in traditional fire-making and tool-making. The surface shows honest wear from use. To the side, an incised inventory/catalogue number (“CE…14” partially legible) indicates passage through an early collection, possibly institutional or private. Height: approx. 3 in. Provenance: Old Canadian collection, with original catalogue inscription to side.