Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, Canada / United States, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), Haida, Tlingit, or Nootka, ca. mid-20th century CE. A wonderful wooden relief plaque depicting the Bear Mother. The stylized animal is shown seated in an anthropomorphic manner with elbow resting on knees. Abstract symbols adorn her body as she gazes forth; her large head featuring huge, almond-shaped eyes beneath thick brows, a broad nose, and bared teeth. The Bear Mother story is a legend shared by many people on the Northwest Coast, most notably the Haida, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and Coast Tsimshian. It tells the story of a woman who disrespected the bears when she was out berry picking, who was subsequently kidnapped and forced to marry the son of a bear chief. She gives birth to twin bear cubs who inherit a mix of human and bear features. The story emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting animals, and deals with the subject of transformation and travel between the human and non-human worlds. Size: 9.3" W x 22.2" H (23.6 cm x 56.4 cm)

Provenance: private Alamo, California, USA collection, before 2000; ex-Leon LaFortune collection, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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#180656

  • Condition: Some nicks and abrasions as shown, as well as a few stable hairline surface fissures to wood. Chip to proper right ear. Otherwise, intact and excellent with good remaining detail. Suspension hook on verso for display.

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August 25, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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