Description:

Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tsimshian or Tlingit, ca. 19th century CE. A finely carved wooden hair comb featuring stylized totemic motifs engraved on both sides of the handle. The intricate formline designs, including ovoids and U-shaped elements, resemble a bird's head in profile - possibly a ravenn - with crosshatching on the beak. Hair combs served multiple functions, from grooming and securing hair to use as weaving tools, though weaving combs typically had teeth on both sides of the handle. The carved effigies held symbolic significance, often representing ancestral totems and clan affiliations believed to impart strength or protection to the owner. Signs of age and use are evident, with the handle panel's surface and corners worn smooth from frequent handling. The comb is presented in a modern display case. Size of comb: 3" L x 3" W (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm); case: 6" L x 2.4" W x 8" H (15.2 cm x 6.1 cm x 20.3 cm)3

Provenance: private Auburn, Maine, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private West Jordon, Utah, USA collection, acquired from a Four Corners, USA shop

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.

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#191231

  • Condition: Missing 2 teeth and loss to tips of a few others. Light surface wear from age and use, and nice patina. Overall great condition for age and material. Comes in modern wood and glass display case.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
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