Description:

Native American, Western United States, California, Chumash peoples, ca. 16th to 18th century CE. A fine plumb bob in the form of a whale, hand-carved from a mottled black steatite with faint white inclusions. The whale effigy is defined by a bulbous head, an incised mouth and lip borders, carved gills just behind the jaw, a gently tapering body, and a short tail ringed with three incised grooves. A pair of drilled eyes are situated atop the head and perhaps held inlays of shell or stone at one time. This carving would have had a string tied around the tail to suspend the whale for use as a basic level. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 4.125" L x 1" W x 1.3" H (10.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 3.3 cm); 2.2" H (5.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Lexington, Kentucky, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired in the early 1970s

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#138197

  • Condition: Original eye inlays missing. Minor nicks to tail, body, and head, with light fading to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.

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November 8, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000