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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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383 Results
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  • Catlinite Tomahawk Pipe Bowl and Stem
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 290

    Catlinite Tomahawk Pipe Bowl and Stem

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Fine Plains Catlinite Stem and Bowl
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 291

    Fine Plains Catlinite Stem and Bowl

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Northern Plains Catlinite Pipe Bowl and Stem
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,500
    Lot 292

    Northern Plains Catlinite Pipe Bowl and Stem

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,500
  • Cherokee Pipe Bowl with Bear Effigy
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,500
    Lot 293

    Cherokee Pipe Bowl with Bear Effigy

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,500
  • Woodlands Human Effigy Pipe Bowl
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 294

    Woodlands Human Effigy Pipe Bowl

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Wood Carved Tomahawk Pipe Bowl and Stem
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 295

    Wood Carved Tomahawk Pipe Bowl and Stem

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Arapaho Shinny Stick and Hide Ball
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 296

    Arapaho Shinny Stick and Hide Ball

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Cheyenne Porcupine Hairbrush
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 297

    Cheyenne Porcupine Hairbrush

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Navajo Sand Painting
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,400
    Lot 298

    Navajo Sand Painting

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,400
  • Northeast Finger-woven Wool Sash
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 299

    Northeast Finger-woven Wool Sash

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Athabaskan or Sub-Arctic Cree "Octopus Bag,"
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 300

    Athabaskan or Sub-Arctic Cree "Octopus Bag,"

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Great Lakes Midewiwin Otter Bag
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 301

    Great Lakes Midewiwin Otter Bag

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Beaded Bag,
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 302

    Beaded Bag,

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Beaded Bag
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 303

    Beaded Bag

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Rare Early Beaded Bag
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,600
    Lot 304

    Rare Early Beaded Bag

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,600
  • Beaded Bag,
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 305

    Beaded Bag,

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Beaded Bag,
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 306

    Beaded Bag,

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Beaded Bag,
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 307

    Beaded Bag,

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Beaded Bag
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 308

    Beaded Bag

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Wabanaki Beaded Pouch
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 309

    Wabanaki Beaded Pouch

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Upper Great Lakes Beaded "Octopus" Bag
    Estimate
    $3,500 - $4,500
    Lot 310

    Upper Great Lakes Beaded "Octopus" Bag

    Est.
    $3,500 - $4,500
  • Eskimo Engraved Walrus Tusk
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 311

    Eskimo Engraved Walrus Tusk

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Eskimo Carved Musk Ox Jawbone Cribbage Board
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 312

    Eskimo Carved Musk Ox Jawbone Cribbage Board

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Inupiaq Walrus Tusk Cribbage Board
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 313

    Inupiaq Walrus Tusk Cribbage Board

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Eskimo Walrus Ivory Bear Drag Handle
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 314

    Eskimo Walrus Ivory Bear Drag Handle

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Eskimo Walrus Ivory Gaffe Handle with Iron Hook
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 315

    Eskimo Walrus Ivory Gaffe Handle with Iron Hook

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Prehistoric Eskimo Shaman's Torso Figure
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,500
    Lot 316

    Prehistoric Eskimo Shaman's Torso Figure

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,500
  • Northwest Coast Nunivak Island Bird Mask
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $1,800
    Lot 317

    Northwest Coast Nunivak Island Bird Mask

    Est.
    $1,500 - $1,800
  • Eskimo Feast Bowl with Walrus Ivory Whale Ornament
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 318

    Eskimo Feast Bowl with Walrus Ivory Whale Ornament

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Yup'ik Gut Parka
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 319

    Yup'ik Gut Parka

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Eskimo Walrus Ivory Pipe
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 320

    Eskimo Walrus Ivory Pipe

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Walrus Ivory Pipe
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 321

    Eskimo Walrus Ivory Pipe

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Northwest Coast Puffin Shaman's Rattle
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 322

    Northwest Coast Puffin Shaman's Rattle

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Northwest Coast Human-form Halibut Hook
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 323

    Northwest Coast Human-form Halibut Hook

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Northwest Coast Tlingit Fighting Knife
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 324

    Northwest Coast Tlingit Fighting Knife

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Northwest Coast Tlingit Frog Bowl
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 325

    Northwest Coast Tlingit Frog Bowl

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Northwest Coast Haida Argillite Totem Pole
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 326

    Northwest Coast Haida Argillite Totem Pole

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Haida Argillite Totem Pole
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 327

    Northwest Coast Haida Argillite Totem Pole

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Northwest Coast Chilkat Blanket
    Estimate
    $35,000 - $45,000
    Lot 328

    Northwest Coast Chilkat Blanket

    Est.
    $35,000 - $45,000
  • Northwest Coast Raven Rattle
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,500
    Lot 329

    Northwest Coast Raven Rattle

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,500
  • Northwest Coast Soapberry Spoon
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 330

    Northwest Coast Soapberry Spoon

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Quinault Carved Yewwood Salmon Club
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 331

    Quinault Carved Yewwood Salmon Club

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Quinault Whalebone "D" Adze Handle
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 332

    Quinault Whalebone "D" Adze Handle

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Quinault Whalebone "D" Adze Handle
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 333

    Quinault Whalebone "D" Adze Handle

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Northwest Coast Kwakwaka'wakw Ceremonial Staff
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 334

    Northwest Coast Kwakwaka'wakw Ceremonial Staff

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Northwest Coast Wooden Paddle
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 335

    Northwest Coast Wooden Paddle

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Northwest Coast Gold Bracelet
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 336

    Northwest Coast Gold Bracelet

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • New Mexican Retablo
    Estimate
    $700 - $1,000
    Lot 337

    New Mexican Retablo

    Est.
    $700 - $1,000

Auction Description

American Indian & Ethnographic Art by Bonhams Skinner

Preview Times
May 3, 12PM-5PM
May 4, 12PM-7PM
May 5, 8AM -9:30AM

View the auction flyer

Our May American Indian & Ethnographic Art auction features three significant collections of African art, the Richard Newman collection of Akan goldweights, the Arnold Crane collection of African sculpture and metalwork, and the Mauricio Lasansky collection of African art which includes a significant group of Ivory Coast figures and masks; as well as an important Songye power figure from the Jean-Marie Biebuyck collection in Boston. The auction also features a wide range of American Indian art, from weavings, pottery, and baskets to beadwork from the Plains and Eastern Woodlands. Also on offer is a Chilkat robe from the Northwest Coast, and a number of interesting Eskimo artifacts from Alaska including an early Yup’ik seal gut parka.

Contact Us
americanindian@skinnerinc.com
508-970-3254

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Bonhams Skinner
Boston, MA 02116
United States

bidsquare@bonhamsskinner.com

Phone:+16173505400

Buyer’s Premium

Start Premium (%)
$0 25.00

Bid Increments

Start Increments ($)
$0 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000

Shipping Info

Please visit http://www.skinnerinc.com/services/payment-and-shipping/ for information regarding the collection of items purchased at auction. 

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Terms & Conditions

1. Some of the lots in this sale are offered subject to a reserve. The reserve is a confidential minimum price agreed upon by the consignor and Skinner, Inc. below which the lot will not be sold. In most cases, the reserve will be set below the estimated range, but in no case will it exceed the estimates listed. A representative of Skinner, Inc. will execute such reserves by bidding for the consignor. In any event and whether or not a lot is subject to a reserve, the auctioneer may reject any bid or raise not commensurate with the value of such lot.

2. All property is sold “as is,” and neither the auctioneer nor any consignor makes any warranties or representation of any kind or nature with respect to the property, and in no event shall they be responsible for the correctness, nor deemed to have made any representation or warranty, of description, genuineness, authorship, attribution, provenance, period, culture, source, origin, or condition of the property and no statement made at the sale, or in the bill of sale, or invoice or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty of representation or an assumption of liability.

3. Except as provided in paragraph 1 above, the highest bidder as determined by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the case of a disputed bid, the auctioneer shall have sole discretion in determining the purchaser and may also, at his or her election, withdraw the lot or reoffer the lot for sale. The auctioneer shall have sole discretion to refuse any bid, or refuse to acknowledge any bidder. Any bidder that plans on spending in excess of $100,000 should make arrangements with the accounting department at least five (5) days in advance of the sale, as a deposit may be required to participate.

4. All merchandise purchased must be paid for and removed from the premises the day of the auction. Skinner Inc. may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly interest charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or item lot not paid for within thirty-five (35) days of the date of sale. Skinner, Inc. shall have no liability for any damage or loss to property left on its premises for more than three (3) days from the date of sale. If any property has not been removed within three (3) days from the date of sale, at the option of Skinner, Inc. (a) Skinner Inc., may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay, a monthly storage charge of 1.5% of the purchase price of any lot or portion of a lot not removed within the three days, and/or (b) Skinner Inc. may place the merchandise in a subsequent auction, without Reserve, to be sold to the highest bidder, and after deducting the standard commission and any additional charges that may apply, remit the proceeds to the purchaser.

5. Skinner accepts cash or check for payment. Personal checks will be acceptable only if credit has been established with Skinner, Inc. or if a bank authorization has been received guaranteeing a personal check. Skinner, Inc. reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. The purchaser agrees to pay Skinner, Inc. a handling charge of $25.00 for any check dishonored by the drawee. Please contact Accounting for additional payment methods. Skinner does not accept payment by credit card for merchandise purchases.

6. If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it was the highest successful bidder, Skinner Inc. may exercise all of its rights and remedies under the law including, without limitation, (a) canceling the sale and applying any payments made by the purchaser to the damages caused by the purchaser’s breach, and/or (b) offering at public auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has breached any of its obligations, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency plus all costs of sale.

7. In no event will the liability of Skinner, Inc. to any purchaser with respect to any item exceed the purchase price actually paid by such purchaser for such item.

8. Shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser. Upon request, our staff will provide the list of shippers who deliver to destinations within the United States and overseas. Some property that is sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from the U.S., such as items that include material from some endangered species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing will not constitute cancellation or delay in payment for the total purchase price of these lots.

9. All purchases are subject to the Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax unless the purchaser possesses a Massachusetts sales tax exemption number. Exemption numbers from other states are accepted in Massachusetts if presented with a business card or letterhead. Dealers, museums, and other qualifying parties can apply for a Massachusetts exemption number prior to the auction by contacting the Massachusetts Department of Corporations and Taxation at 100 Cambridge Street in Boston.

10. A premium equal to 23% of the final bid price up to and including $100,000, plus 20% of the final bid price from $100,001 up to and including $1,000,000, plus 12% of the final bid price from $1,000,001 and over will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

11. Bidding on any item indicates your acceptance of these terms and all other terms printed within, posted, and announced at the time of sale whether bidding in person, through a representative, by phone, by Internet, or other absentee bid.

12. Skinner, Inc. and its consignors make no warranty or representation, express or implied, that the purchaser will acquire any copyright or reproduction rights to any lot sold. Skinner, Inc. expressly reserves the right to reproduce any image of the lots sold in this catalog. The copyright in all images, illustrations and written material produced by or for Skinner, Inc. relating to a lot, including the contents of this catalog, is, and shall remain at all times, the property of Skinner, Inc. and shall not be used by the purchaser, nor by anyone else, without our prior written consent.

13. These conditions of sale shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The buyer/bidder agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this agreement may be brought, and any action against Skinner in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement shall be brought, in the courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any federal court sitting therein. The bidder/buyer consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts and waives objections that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit.

Revised January 8, 2014