Description:

Native American / First Nations, Northwest Coast United States, Alaska or Canada, Inupiaq/Inuit people, ca. mid-20th century CE. A group of 4 miniature whale bone spirit mask faces, one with a pair of teeth protruding from the mouth. Spirit masks bridge the worlds of the living and spirits and the moon - the face is modeled after the moon which is also where Inupiaq believed 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 of these works. Size of largest: 4.5" L x 3" W (11.4 cm x 7.6 cm)

Please note this item may fall under the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act and is not eligible for international shipping. Native American, Alaska Native, & Native Hawaiian objects can only be shipped within the United States.

Parts from certain animal species may require an additional license upon import into another country due to legislation relating to endangered species and environmental conservation. If you are not sure whether CITES rules apply to your item, please see the CITES Appendices.

Provenance: private Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA collection

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.

#188667

  • Condition: Natural ossification and pitting to whale bone. Some chips and abrasions, but overall great condition. Unsigned.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 6, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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