Description:

Southeast Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A brass handle of a Tibetan tattoo needle/pen adorned with a nice casting of a deity or dancer with an elaborate anthropomorphic headdress. The tool would have been used to scratch the surface of the skin and apply dye during spiritual rituals or to indicate cultural identity. Such examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Size: 3-1/2"L.

The word tattoo originated in Polynesia (tatao) and Tahiti (tatau). This form of body art has a very long history and has been practiced since prehistoric times. Recent discoveries of such aesthetic markings on a man from 3300 BCE who was found in the ice in the Alps and evidence in Egyptian wall paintings and mummies from 2000BCE have disclosed this early artistic expression and human enhancement of the body. Provenance: Ex-P. Haig collection, Rochester, MN 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. #109914

  • Condition: Nick to tip, needle missing, and normal wear to peripheries.

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September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000