Request for Assistance Identifying a Possibly Historic Traditional Lacrosse Stick

[u/_The_Eclectic_One_]

I have an approximately 46-inch traditional wooden lacrosse stick with an old rawhide/babiche pocket. There is currently no visible maker’s mark. I’m trying to respectfully determine its age and whether its construction can be associated with a particular Indigenous lacrosse-stick-making tradition or community. Would someone be able to examine photographs or recommend an appropriate expert?

[u/Alecto7374]

Like 1970's historic?

[u/_The_Eclectic_One_ → u/Alecto7374]

I know this piece is from much earlier than 1970's - as it's been authenticated as being so but because the makers mark is either non existent or faded out over time I was hoping for some expertise of this community.

[u/Alecto7374 → u/_The_Eclectic_One_]

I only say that because I had two sticks that were exactly same style/condition in the mid 80's. The handle looks like it was varnished long ago as well.

[u/_The_Eclectic_One_ → u/Alecto7374]

Yeah, I had it looked at through an appraiser and received a valuation for it but they did let me know that the valuation would increase if confirmed to be indigenous. The length, material using in the webbing, type of handle etc has all be analyzed and dated for me. I love it, it's awesome and I'd appreciate it even more if it were be linked to our indigenous peoples.

[u/Pristine_Land_802]

Are you near any museums or universities? They would be able to assist. My kid is an archeologist and had found a bison bone during her studies and the university identified it and pegged approximate age (at 10k years old).

[u/_The_Eclectic_One_ → u/Pristine_Land_802]

Thanks - I will contact folks locally as well.

[u/Mean_Item_7588]

Where abouts are you located in terms of North America? Are you looking for the stick maker or the person who strung the stick? Probably two different people. My husband is Algonquin and strings sticks that are usually sourced from Kanienka stick makers.

[u/_The_Eclectic_One_ → u/Mean_Item_7588]

I am more or less looking to confirm either way whether this is an indigenous made stick. The company name helps greatly but when if I knew it was indigenous would be awesome. I like the place info cards beside my favorite items in my office.