Carved wood chain, handle, ball thingy?

[war-digs-it]

Hello, this item came into my friends thrift shop. She says that it is supposedly of Alaskan origin.
The shoe in the picture is for size reference and is a 13.

I have no idea what it would be for except maybe something to do during the long winter.

Thanks for any help or guesses.

 

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[SkaBa]

I have no idea what it would be for except maybe something to do during the long winter

Yep, somebody whittling the time away.

Cool piece!

 

[BosnMate]

The guy that made that is good, and very patient. Nice piece.

 

[RGINN]

Klawock is a town in Alaska. Lots of Tlingits in that area and they're ace wood carvers, so maybe made by one of them?

 

[Silver Searcher]

Are these not called love chains, because of the time it takes to make...labour of love.

SS

 

[war-digs-it]

Are these not called love chains, because of the time it takes to make...labour of love.

SS

Thank you SilverSearcher! That was also a big help! Some neat carvings come up with that added to the search.

 

[mojjax]

Maybe a prisoner made it , they have lots of spare time .

 

[Breezie]

That's a beautiful piece of Folk Art. There are several for sale on ebay; here's a link to one similar to yours:

Vintage Hand Carved Wood Chain Ball Rope Carving 54 Inches | eBay

Neat score
Breezie