#4 • Finely Carved Northwest Coast Halibut Hook - Scott Jensen

Part of June 2026 Premier Auction (live auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $850.00

Status: Sold

Category: Art

A finely carved Northwest Coast style halibut hook by master carver Scott Jensen, signed with his initials "SJ" and dated 1998. Fashioned in the traditional form developed by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the hook is constructed from two joined wooden elements bound together at an angle and fitted with an iron barb, faithfully following the ingenious design that selectively targeted larger halibut. The carved shank displays a sophisticated arrangement of interconnected crest imagery rendered in bold formline, incorporating fish heads, human figures, and abstracted animal elements executed in rich tones of reddish-brown, black, and green. The hook retains its tightly wrapped bindings and approximately 25 inches of braided line. Scott Jensen began carving in 1972 and devoted decades to studying the art, symbolism, and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast before becoming an accomplished instructor himself, teaching carving and tool making throughout Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. His work brought him to communities across Southeast Alaska, where he developed lasting relationships within the Native carving community. In 2010, he and his wife were formally adopted into a Tlingit family by Fred Sał kaa and Ivy Gunalshowaxeex Fulmer, receiving membership in the Chookaneidí Eagle, Brown Bear and Porpoise Clan and the T'akdeintaan Raven, Frog and Black-legged Kittiwake Clan, respectively, in recognition of decades of friendship, cultural respect, and artistic dedication. Far removed from the countless decorative reproductions made for the tourist trade, this example is a substantial and thoughtfully executed work by a respected contemporary master. The composition demonstrates Jensen's deep understanding of traditional Northwest Coast design while remaining unmistakably his own, resulting in a striking sculptural interpretation of one of the most iconic fishing implements of the Pacific Coast. The halibut hook measures approximately 11.5" x 2" x 6.5" and retains approximately 25" of braided line.