Lot 116
Khoisan Tortoise Shell Fragrance Container w/ Beadwork
Khoisan Tortoise Shell Fragrance Container w/ Beadwork
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Southern Africa, Botswana / Namibia / Angola, San or Khoisan culture, ca. 20th century CE. A personal adornment and functional container crafted from a natural tortoise shell, once used much like a compact to hold a fragrant powder made from the charcoal of aromatic woods or crushed flower petals. One end is tightly sealed with a plug of fibrous material and resin, while the open end is pierced with a leather suspension cord. An additional leather strip is adorned with cascading strands of brightly colored seed beads, some terminating in wooden beads. Worn by women on the arm as an ornament, this shell served a dual purpose: decorative and olfactory - not only a form of personal fragrance but may also have had ritual or symbolic significance. Size of shell: 5" L x 3.5" W x 2.2" H (12.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 5.6 cm); beaded tassels add 6" L (15.2 cm)
This object appears to be made from the shell of a Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys [Geochelone] pardalis), a species currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and listed in CITES Appendix II. While not currently endangered, Appendix II status means international trade is regulated to avoid threats to the species survival. Please be aware that several countries and U.S. states prohibit or restrict the importation of items made from wildlife materials, including tortoise shell, regardless of the species' conservation status. In some cases, an additional import license or documentation may be required due to conservation and endangered species legislation. If you are uncertain whether CITES regulations apply to this item, we strongly encourage you to consult the official CITES Appendices or contact your local regulatory authority before purchase or shipment.
Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex-Ralph T. Coe personal collection, gifted from James Economos of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA in 2008.
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#196059
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |