Description:

Native American, Northwestern United States & Canada, Inuit, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A matching pair of hand-carved whale bone effigies that could be stacked like a totem pole or displayed separately. The lower base section is an hourglass shape with a flat base and a stylized anthropomorphic face on the top half, with circular drilled cavities and protruding nose. The other vertebrae bone utilizes the natural transverse processes as outspread arms or wings, and a simple pair of drilled eyes and notched mouth are set into the head. Perhaps together these represent a transformation of a shaman into a bird or another human figure with their spirit animal. Size (figure): 3" Diameter x 3.3" H (7.6 cm x 8.4 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-S. and V. Friedman collection, New York City, New York, USA, acquired in the 1960s

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#172624

  • Condition: Natural ossification and surface pitting of bone. Surface abrasions and chips throughout both. Darkening and surface discoloration as expected with age. Overall good condition.

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August 4, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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