Very Diminutive Maple Burl Reductive Beaver Effigy Ladle
Eastern Great Lakes Woodlands, second half 18th century

Without the aid of reference to other beaver ladles in the Brams collection, it may be difficult to interpret this ladle. However, the abstract carving seen here is clearly a reductive interpretation of a beaver. The chip carved border that separates the handle and the carving is a fine and rare detail. The bowl is carved remarkably thin.

Special note should be made of the very small size of this ladle.

L. 3 1/8 in.

Literature: Illustrated in: Powers, Steven, S. North American Burl Treen: Colonial & Native American. Brooklyn, NY, 2005, p. 163.

The Peter Brams Collection

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

The Peter Brams Collection of Important Woodlands Indian Art

Excellent, warm color with excellent patination on dark surface or on areas that generally were not touched by hands.