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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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  • Dan Face Mask, pierced around the rim for attachments, with oval face, protruding cutout lips, triangular nose, and pierced crescent ey
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 97

    Dan Face Mask, pierced around the rim for attachments, ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Dan Face Mask, hollowed-out form with diamond-shaped mouth inset with metal plugs for teeth beneath the naturalistic nose and pierced s
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 98

    Dan Face Mask, hollowed-out form with diamond-shaped mo...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Dan Face Mask, hollowed-out form with exaggerated beak with animal hair attached, pierced slit eyes and rounded horns, pierced around t
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 99

    Dan Face Mask, hollowed-out form with exaggerated beak ...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Bronze Seated Figure of a Chief, Baule, seated figure holds a curved knife in one hand and a head in the other, with inventory number "
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 100

    Bronze Seated Figure of a Chief, Baule, seated figure h...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Standing Male Baule Figure, the figure stands erect, with the left hand resting on his abdomen, the right holding a long beard, with a
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 101

    Standing Male Baule Figure, the figure stands erect, wi...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Baule Face Mask, water buffalo form, the head framed by a deep collar pierced for attachments, long snout, with heavy lidded cutout eye
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 102

    Baule Face Mask, water buffalo form, the head framed by...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Baule Water Buffalo Helmet Mask, with deep circular collar and projecting square jaw, open mouth incised with zigzagging teeth colored
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,600
    Lot 103

    Baule Water Buffalo Helmet Mask, with deep circular col...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,600
  • Baule Face Mask, very deep oval collar frames the face, the small mouth with teeth filled with kaolin protrudes below a straight taperi
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 104

    Baule Face Mask, very deep oval collar frames the face,...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Yoruba Divination Chain, linked chain made up of eight unique cast bronze faces, lg. 39 1/4 in.Provenance: The Charles and Blanche Derb
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 105

    Yoruba Divination Chain, linked chain made up of eight ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Yoruba Gelede Helmet Mask, hollowed-out hemispherical form pierced in two places on the rim, elongated face with protruding mouth and n
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 106

    Yoruba Gelede Helmet Mask, hollowed-out hemispherical f...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base, with raised feet, legs set apart with the arms detached from the body and hand
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 107

    Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base, with raised feet, legs set apart with the arms detached from the body and hand
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 108

    Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base, with flattened feet, legs set apart with the arms detached from the body and h
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 109

    Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure, standing on a circular base...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Male and Female Yoruba Ibeji Figures, each standing on a circular base with flattened feet and incised toes, the angular shoulders belo
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 110

    Male and Female Yoruba Ibeji Figures, each standing on ...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Bronze Rooster, Benin, 19th century or earlier, with overall dark patina, ht. 7 in.Provenance: Private collection, New York City; purch
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 111

    Bronze Rooster, Benin, 19th century or earlier, with ov...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Ibo Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo, the hollowed-out helmet form pierced around the rim for attachment of a cloth head coverin
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 112

    Ibo Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo, the hollow...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Ibo Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo, the hollowed-out helmet form pierced around the rim for attachment of a cloth head coverin
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 113

    Ibo Maiden Spirit Helmet Mask, Agbogho Mmuo, the hollow...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Ogoni Face Mask, hollowed-out form with narrow face and small, wide, upwards curved nose, full dark lips, and slit pierced eyes with bl
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 114

    Ogoni Face Mask, hollowed-out form with narrow face and...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Ogoni Face Mask, Karikpo, pierced around the rim for attachments, with an open heart-shaped mouth, wide nose below large cutout eyes, c
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 115

    Ogoni Face Mask, Karikpo, pierced around the rim for at...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Kneeling Bronze Female Figure, Nigeria, possibly a finial figure from a staff, ht. 9 in.Provenance: Private collection, New York City.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 116

    Kneeling Bronze Female Figure, Nigeria, possibly a fini...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Ibo Male Standing Figure, the attenuated figure stands straight with hands cupped in a gesture to the front, left hand holds a small he
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 117

    Ibo Male Standing Figure, the attenuated figure stands ...

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Luango Figurative Carving, Kongo, fashioned from the tooth of a hippopotamus, with seven rings of carved figures, some in Western costu
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 118

    Luango Figurative Carving, Kongo, fashioned from the to...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Tabwa Face Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo, anthropomorphic face mask with cutout mouth and eyes, triangular nose, and protrudin
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 119

    Tabwa Face Mask, Democratic Republic of the Congo, anth...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Ngombe Stool, Democratic Republic of Congo, decorated with a combination of engraved designs, brass trackwork with old coins and ten cu
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 120

    Ngombe Stool, Democratic Republic of Congo, decorated w...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Luba Headrest, male and female couple, each with one hand on the other's back, the free hand holding up the headrest together with the
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $12,000
    Lot 121

    Luba Headrest, male and female couple, each with one ha...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $12,000
  • Luba-Shankadi Katatora Divination Object, with a flattened head on top featuring the typical cascading coiffure of the Luba, "Katatora"
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,200
    Lot 122

    Luba-Shankadi Katatora Divination Object, with a flatte...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,200
  • Teke Power Figure, standing on crescent-shaped feet, the bent legs tapering into a cylindrical torso with thin arms held at the abdomen
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 123

    Teke Power Figure, standing on crescent-shaped feet, th...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Yombe Power Figure, diminutive figure with cutout arms placed on the lower abdomen, below the "magic charge" hole, strong neck supports
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 124

    Yombe Power Figure, diminutive figure with cutout arms ...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Konda Sword and Scabbard, Congo, hilt and scabbard in wood, decorated on one side with brass tacks, wire on handle, lg. in scabbard 19
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 125

    Konda Sword and Scabbard, Congo, hilt and scabbard in w...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Small Lega Mask, oval form with concave heart-shaped facial plane, round holes for mouth and eyes, and raised linear nose, covered with
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 126

    Small Lega Mask, oval form with concave heart-shaped fa...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Kuba Divination Object, in the form of a crocodile, with typical interlocking geometric patterning on either side of the animal, wearin
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 127

    Kuba Divination Object, in the form of a crocodile, wit...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Kuba Cloth, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20th century, raffia appliqué, natural dyes, 147 x 31 in.
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 128

    Kuba Cloth, Democratic Republic of the Congo, early 20t...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Kuba Cloth, two panels of Kuba cloth, mounted in Plexiglas box, 24 1/2 x 20 1/2 in.Provenance: The Nicholas Rubano collection, New Hamp
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 129

    Kuba Cloth, two panels of Kuba cloth, mounted in Plexig...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Central Plains Beaded Hide Child's Moccasins, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, the hard-sole buffalo hide forms with multicolored
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 130

    Central Plains Beaded Hide Child's Moccasins, Lakota, f...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Southern Cheyenne Beaded Hide Man's Moccasins, c. 1880s, with long heel fringe, fringe off the vamp, painted with yellow pigments, and
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 131

    Southern Cheyenne Beaded Hide Man's Moccasins, c. 1880s...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Kiowa Beaded Hide Man's Moccasins, third quarter 19th century, partially beaded with multicolored geometric designs in two rows and on
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 132

    Kiowa Beaded Hide Man's Moccasins, third quarter 19th c...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Apache Beaded Hide Child's Moccasins, c. 1880s, raw-hide leather soles, soft leather uppers, with simple beaded design on each moccasi
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 133

    Apache Beaded Hide Child's Moccasins, c. 1880s, raw-hid...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Cree Silk-embroidered Hide Moccasins, c. late 19th century, the vamp with multicolored floral designs, large cuffs and long hide laces,
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 134

    Cree Silk-embroidered Hide Moccasins, c. late 19th cent...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Great Lakes Beaded Cloth and Hide Moccasins, Ojibwa, late 19th century, soft-sole forms with multicolored floral devices on the cloth v
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 135

    Great Lakes Beaded Cloth and Hide Moccasins, Ojibwa, la...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, the soft hide bag with roll-beaded opening and two lanes of b
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 136

    Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, Lakota, fourth qua...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, c. late third quarter 19th century, the soft hide form, the top roll-beaded with single narrow str
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 137

    Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, c. late third quar...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, roll-beaded at the top, the beaded panel with early multicolo
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 138

    Central Plains Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, Lakota, fourth qua...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Central Plains Quilled Hide Pipe Bag, Sioux, fourth quarter 19th century, soft hide, roll-beaded at the top, with quill side strip runn
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 139

    Central Plains Quilled Hide Pipe Bag, Sioux, fourth qua...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Lakota Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, fourth quarter 19th century, the soft hide bag beaded with geometric designs on blue background, with quil
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 140

    Lakota Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, fourth quarter 19th centur...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Lakota Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, fourth quarter 19th century, the soft hide bag beaded with geometric designs on two different colored back
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 141

    Lakota Beaded Hide Pipe Bag, fourth quarter 19th centur...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Plains Beaded Hide Possible Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, beaded on the front, sides, and flap with multicolored geometric
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 142

    Plains Beaded Hide Possible Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Plains Beaded Hide Possible Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, beaded on the front, sides, and flap with multicolored geometric
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 143

    Plains Beaded Hide Possible Bag, Lakota, fourth quarter...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Crow Beaded Hide Possible Bag, fourth quarter 19th century, beaded on the front in a striped design, with two triangular beaded hide dr
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 144

    Crow Beaded Hide Possible Bag, fourth quarter 19th cent...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200

Auction Description

American Indian & Ethnographic Art by Bonhams Skinner
Preview Times November 28, 12PM-5PM November 29, 12PM-5PM November 30, 12PM-7PM December 1, 8AM-9:30AM Offerings include Pre-Columbian artifacts from an Ohio collection; a group of Northwest-coast pieces; a collection of 19th century Haida argillite; a strong section of Eskimo artifacts, both pre-historic and more recent figures, animals and tools; an extensive collection of photography from the Indian territories; and a collection of Southwest pottery, both historic and contemporary. Contact Us americanindian@skinnerinc.com 508.970.3254 Read more
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