Description:

Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. mid-20th century CE. A whale tooth "billiken" good luck figure and a walrus tusk ivory owl carving. The billiken is the characteristic teardrop shape with a grinning face inked with black highlights. Billikens were American troll-like dolls, adopted by Inuit carvers the early 20th century as trinkets to sell. The owl is simple with lightly incised wings and remains of ink on the eyes - perhaps not only decorative but maybe used as a game piece for a chessboard set. Size of billiken: 2.5" L x 1" W (6.4 cm x 2.5 cm)

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

Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection

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#181200

  • Condition: Fading and softening to owl pigment and incised details, otherwise intact. Patina to both. Whale tooth billiken is intact and excellent.

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December 21, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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