Description:

Native American / First Nations, Pacific Northwest Coast, Alaska or Canada, Inupiaq / Inuit, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved spirit mask made from a porous whale bone, featuring squinting eyes, rounded cheeks, and slightly parted lips over a jutting chin. 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 hole is drilled into the forehead for suspension. Size: 7.5" L x 3.5" W x 8.5" H (19 cm x 8.9 cm x 21.6 cm)

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

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#174644

  • Condition: Natural ossification and pitting to bone. Minor surface nicks and chips and stable fissures. Overall great condition.

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September 29, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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