Description:

Native American, central/southern coastal California, Chumash people, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A delightful figure of a seal, rolled over on its back, hand carved from a striated light and dark brown stone. The seal lies with its tail out, its head raised, and its flippers resting along the sides of its body. Small dimples in the stone give the impression of eyes. The stomach is broad, with some wear as if it was repeatedly rubbed. Harbor seals like this one would have been observed by the artist who made the piece - the beaches of Malibu, for example, are part of Chumash territory. The Chumash carved many zoomorphic effigies from stone, with marine mammals and water birds comprising the largest category of these sculptures. Size: 5.55" W x 2.75" H (14.1 cm x 7 cm)

See a similar but smaller example at Skinner Auctions: https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3185B/lots/444

Provenance: ex-private estate collection, California, USA

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#139084

  • Condition: Tip of tail is lost. Deep gouges on surface with deposits in them. Surface is worn from touch, with a rich patina. Wear commensurate with age.

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March 7, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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