20th C. Inuit Whale Bone Mask
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Description
Native American / First Nations, Northern Canada / Greenland, Inuit people, ca. mid 20th century CE. A fantastically expressive mask made from a disc-shaped whale bone. Applied white and black shells form ovoid eyes underneath carved projecting brows and above carved projecting cheeks. A single sharp animal tooth is embedded in the mouth, also carved from the bone face. Big tufts of reddish-blonde hair are attached to the top of the head and under the nose, creating a massive mustache that gives the piece a playful, walrus-like appearance. Masks are part of a long tradition for Arctic and Pacific Northwest Coast inhabitants. Animism, the belief that all living and non-living things contain a spirit, was a major part of Inuit tradition, and in the past shamans wore masks to represent animals and other spirits while performing rituals. Size: 7" W x 7.75" H (17.8 cm x 19.7 cm)
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#148547
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#148547
Condition
Excellent condition. Light wear commensurate with age and rich patina on obverse.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
20th C. Inuit Whale Bone Mask
Estimate $300 - $450
4 bidders are watching this item.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
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