Lot 112
North America, Northwest Coast, Native American, British Columbia, Alberni, Coast Salish peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. An impressive, large speaker's staff, finely carved from cedar or another indigenous wood, with a wonderful integral bear finial delineated in the round with paws before the body and a mesmerizing visage featuring iridescent abalone eyes and perky ears, followed by four equidistantly spaced integral rings rendered in relief. The lower half of the staff is carved in relief with several abstract totemic creatures - an eagle or raven; a killer whale, a lizard-like reptilian, an anthropomorphic maskette, and three coiled serpents slithering around the staff - all with abalone eyes, the whale with abalone teeth as well, and most showing nice remains of red and green pigment. An outstanding example from the Bear Clan of the Coast Salish peoples. Size: 38.5" H (97.8 cm); 40.25" H (102.2 cm) on included custom stand. Size bear finial: 6" H (15.2 cm)
The finial and carved figures are rendered in a stylized manner that accentuates their features with impressive attention to detail. For example, the alighting bird of prey presents with grand wings, delinated plumage, and intimidating talons; the whale presents with that toothy grimace as well as indigenous motifs adorning its back; and the trio of slithering snakes presents with red forked tongues and painted diamond motifs to represent their skin patterns.
Various legends tell of a bear abducting a Chief's daughter. According to the story, this woman of high status had been out in the woods picking berries, when she stepped on some bear dung and cursed aloud, insulting the bear's cleanliness. Two nearby bears who heard her were upset and decided to teach her a lesson. One bear magically transformed himself into a dashing young man who approached this woman, and convinced her to accompany him to his mountain house. Upon falling in love with him, she too became partially bear-like. The two married and had twin cubs - born resembling bears but could metamorphose themselves into a human form just like their father. When the woman's brothers found her, they retaliated by killing her husband. They all then returned to the village, only the two bear sons felt out of place and eventually returned to the forest. All Bear Clan members are said to descend from this woman and her two sons. Hence, it is believed that there is a bear within every one of us, and that we must accept and embrace this in our lives.
According to the Burke Museum, "A wide range of creatures are depicted in Coast Salish art, some of which are easy to recognize and some of which are known only to the makers. In ancient times, humans, plants, birds, fish, and other animals were not differentiated from each other as much as they are today. There were tree people, rock people, wolf people, and human people. Sometimes they could transform from one to the other and back again.
By the end of the 18th century, around when the Coast Salish people were first coming into contact with European explorers who arrived in sailing ships, objects displayed distinct tribal and regional styles that were fully developed throughout the coast.
To truly know the meanings of the beings represented in Coast Salish art, the owner or artist would need to tell us or the story would have to have been passed down. Explore the Roger Fernandes Storytelling Project for some examples."
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection; ex-Estate of Doris Johnnie; label states "Alberni, B.C., Owned by member of the Bear Clan"
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#135702
- Condition: Minor indentation on back of bear. Expected surface wear with some scuffs, nicks, and loss to pigment (though some remains) commensurate with age. Otherwise staff is intact and in overall excellent condition. Abalone inlays are intact as well.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $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 |