Native American, Pacific Northwest, United States or Canada, Haida or Tlingit people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A fine totemic bear finial carved from a thick wedge piece of walrus ivory. The details are incised into the surface, utilizing sharp lines to produce a stylized crouching bear, the front paws held in front and the forward face presenting a gaping mouth, bared teeth, and wide eyes. Ivory was often obtained through trade with northern tribes such as the Inuit and the bear was a sacred symbol for many Pacific Coast tribes. The base is drilled with a shallow cavity that may have attached to a stand at one time. Size: 5" L x 1" W (12.7 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. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.

Provenance: private Brevard, North Carolina, 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.

#171001

Minor chip to verso of ear, otherwise intact and choice.