Lot 137
Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A charming group of Inuit and Alaska Native miniature ivory carvings, showcasing a delightful array of Arctic wildlife and a figure. Included is a sprightly polar bear carved from ancient mammoth ivory, shown upright. A sleek seal pup and a playful sea lion, both sculpted from creamy walrus ivory, rest nearby with inked details. A bird, also walrus ivory, stands mid-call with finely scrimshawed and inked plumage and an open beak. The human figure - likely carved from walrus ivory - stands atop a sperm whale ivory base, with painted garments. Completing the ensemble is a lidded box: a seal finial in walrus ivory seated atop a wooden lid, with a cylindrical body hollowed from mammoth ivory, identifiable by subtle Schreger lines at the rim, and a matching wood base. Size of box: 1.8" W x 3" H (4.6 cm x 7.6 cm)
This item is made of or contains walrus, sperm whale, and mammoth ivory. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Alaska Natives are permitted to harvest marine mammals for subsistence purposes and to create and sell authentic Native handicrafts, which may include materials such as whale and walrus ivory. This piece qualifies as an ESA-exempt item. Due to strict federal and state regulations concerning the sale and transport of ivory, this item cannot be shipped internationally or to residents of the following U.S. states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Buyers are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all local, state, and federal laws regarding the ownership, trade, or resale of ivory-containing items. While we guarantee that this object meets the U.S. Federal criteria for an ESA antique or Native exemption, we strongly encourage buyers to consult their local authorities to ensure lawful acquisition and possession in their specific jurisdiction.
Provenance: private El Dorado Hills, California, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#194599
- Condition: Losses to pigments on figure. A few nicks and chips, but otherwise all are intact.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping
Artemis Fine Arts
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 + | $500 |