Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, Pre-Contact Period or later, ca. 16th to 19th century CE. This is a charming hand carved effigy made of old walrus ivory of a stylized goose or swan, with an elongated body, pointed tail and a slender neck. The body balances on stub legs - perfect for displaying on a flat surface, and the body is polished and smooth with a yellow-brown patina. This bird may have functioned as a gaming piece and the popular "tingmiujang" which translates to "images of birds" was a game of chance that used sets of figures that represented birds and humans. Size: 1.34" L x 1" W x 2" H (3.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 5.1 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 is over 100 years old.

Provenance: private Covington, Louisiana, 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.

#169861

Older loss to foot and earthen deposits in this area, does not affect stability. Stable pressure fissures and minor nicks. Great patina throughout.