Description:

Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States / Canada, Tsimshian or Tlingit, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful hair comb carved from wood; the handle engraved on both sides with the same stylized totemic motifs. The formline ovoids and U-shape incised shapes resemble a bird's head in profile, perhaps a raven, with crosshatching on the beak. Combs served several purposes, not only for combing and securing hair in place, but also as weaving tools (although those had teeth generally on both side of the handle), and the effigy carvings were not only decorative but symbolic with ancestral totems and clan affiliations to imbue the owner with strength or power. This comb has wonderful signs of use and age, the surface and corners of the handle panel are worn smooth from touch. The comb comes in a modern display case. Size of comb: 3" L x 3" W (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm); case: 6" L x 2.4" W x 8" H (15.2 cm x 6.1 cm x 20.3 cm)

Provenance: private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection, acquired from a Four Corners, USA shop

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#178578

  • Condition: Missing 2 teeth and loss to tips of a few others. Light surface wear from age and use, and nice patina. Overall great condition for age and material. Comes in modern wood and glass display case.

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July 21, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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