Lot 53
Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit or Inupiaq, ca. early 20th century CE. A wonderful cribbage board, hand-carved from the tusk of a walrus to reflect the form of a polar bear atop 2 seals, scrimshawed with abstract and zoomorphic decoration. The roaring head of the bear projects from one side, presenting a long snout with sharp fangs and applied red pigment on the interior of the mouth, while his tapered body is supported by 2 adorable seals; all 3 animals presenting inlaid black eyes. Detailed, scrimshaw designs of a bird, walrus, seal, and abstract patterns further embellish the game board, and a pair of wooden game pegs accompany piece, allowing for immediate play! Size: 11.1" L x 2.9" W x 1.6" H (28.2 cm x 7.4 cm x 4.1 cm)
When gold was discovered on the beaches of Nome in 1898 and the town was engulfed by gold seekers - 40,000 by 1900 - a market developed for Alaskan souvenirs. Native artists quickly adapted their traditional skills to meet the demand. Cribbage boards made from walrus tusks and engraved with images of animals, hunters, and other scenes of everyday life became extremely popular and were eagerly purchased as mementos of an Arctic adventure.
Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and may not be eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects are only eligible to ship within the United States.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington.
Provenance: ex-old private Ohio, USA collection; ex-private Florida, USA collection; ex-Aage Bjerring collection, New York City, New York, USA, 1970s
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#185110
- Condition: Intact and excellent with impressive detail and light patina to areas. Accompanied by 2 wooden game pegs. Underside of 1 seal is inscribed "E.25" in modern ink and underside of other seal is incised "TTT."
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |