An American Indian artifact

Can you suggest any information about this object? In October, 1997, I purchased this object in an antique shop in North Conway, New Hampshire (near southern Maine). It is ca. 2-3/8 inches long, and 7/8 inch high. I know nothing about it. It appears to be a piece of bone, with a bird's talon tied atop the rear with thread. The eye near the front of the creature is drilled all the way through. Any information will be appreciated. E-mail me any thoughts or speculations you may have. (One person has written to me that the object might be a fish hook; another wrote that it looked fake.)