Native American, Pacific Northwest, ca. 19th century to early 20th century CE. A fascinating bowl: a sloping interior basin surrounded by a rectangular platform with the head of a frog on either end. The heads are carved with deep lines forming their features, and a single white seed bead set into each eye. Around the grease bowl is a ring of embedded white seed beads. The bowl stands on a rounded base that projects from the bottom of the frog-headed platform. Traditionally, frogs are seen as bringers of fortune and good luck in Pacific Northwest cultures. Size: 5.75" L x 2.45" W x 1.5" H (14.6 cm x 6.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

A "grease bowl" of this size would have been the treasured belonging of an individual, made to be used on a daily basis to hold oil rendered from fish or seal blubber and used to garnish food like dried meat or fish. The decoration on this example indicates that it was commissioned from an artist rather than being just a utilitarian object.

A larger example sold for $230,000 at Bonhams in 2009: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17539/lot/4199/

Provenance: private Szurleys collection, Polson, Montana, USA, aquired at auction; ex private Gertrude Pearson collection

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#130053

Dark, rich patina, with nice remaining pigment and wear to higher profile areas. Small scratches and other areas of surface wear commensurate with age.