Description:

**Originally Listed At $900**

Pacific Northwest Coast, Alaska, Tlingit, ca. 1940 to 1950 CE. A hand carved wooden anthropomorphic grave guardian spirit - a standing figure with an oversized head presenting an expressive visage comprised of very large almond-shaped eyes framed by incised arched brows, a protruding nose, and parted lips revealing teeth that have been embellished with blue pigment. The back is hollowed out and fitted with a wire for suspension. Size: 13.75" L x 3" W (34.9 cm x 7.6 cm)

Such guardian spirits may be found in a big house or around an old tree near a grave site. They depict malevolent spirits that live in the air and are thought to assist ancestors who have passed away. For further reading, see "From the Land of the Totem Pole" by Aldona Jonaitis (1988).

Provenance: ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#128563

  • Condition: Age crack to base. Expected surface wear with pigment losses commensurate with age. Traces of red pigment to eyes and nice blue pigment on teeth.

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June 7, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000