Description:

Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States / Canada, Inupiaq/Inuit people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A spirit mask, hand-carved from porous whale bone, depicting an expressive visage with alert eyes and a pleasant, slightly smiling mouth. Spirit masks bridge the worlds of the living and spirits and the moon, which this face was modeled after, was believed to be where whales originated. Whale bone sculpture requires the use of older bone that has dried and ossified - new bone will splinter and be too oily to carve- hence the wonderfully aged and weathered appearance! A leather cord is threaded through the top for suspension. Size: 8.5" L x 7.25" W (21.6 cm x 18.4 cm)

Please note this item falls under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects can only be shipped within the United States.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-M. Spiegel collection, Park Avenue, New York, USA

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.

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#176510

  • Condition: Natural ossification, pitting, and chipping to a few high pointed areas. Overall good condition.

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January 19, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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