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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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  • Fragment of an Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Old Bering Sea III period, c. 300-500 AD, ht. 2 1/4, wd. 4 1/2 in.Provenance: Dr.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 337

    Fragment of an Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Ol...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Fragment of an Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Old Bering Sea III period, c. 300-500 AD, lg. 3 1/4 in.Provenance: Dr. John Schaef
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 338

    Fragment of an Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Ol...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Two Eskimo Harpoon Socket Pieces, Alaska, Old Bering Sea II period, 100-300 AD, each piece profusely decorated with finely incised deco
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 339

    Two Eskimo Harpoon Socket Pieces, Alaska, Old Bering Se...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Eskimo Human Head, Alaska, Okvik, Old Bering Sea I period, c. 200 BC-100 AD, human head fragment from a large figure, very fine incised
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 340

    Eskimo Human Head, Alaska, Okvik, Old Bering Sea I peri...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Northwest Coast Bentwood Halibut Hook, Makah, 19th century, cedar bark wrapping and bone barb, dark brown patina to the wood, lg. 6 in.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 341

    Northwest Coast Bentwood Halibut Hook, Makah, 19th cent...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Inuit Kayak Model, early 20th century, animal skin with bone decorated accoutrements and wood figure wearing a cloth parka, lg. 26 1/2
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 342

    Inuit Kayak Model, early 20th century, animal skin with...

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • Inuit Kayak Model, 19th century, animal skin, walrus tusk decorations and a wood torso in fabric parka, lg. 20 1/4 in.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 343

    Inuit Kayak Model, 19th century, animal skin, walrus tu...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Double Face Toggle, Inuit, Alaska, 19th century, walrus ivory, probably used as a garment toggle, lg. 2 3/4 in.Provenance: Private coll
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 344

    Double Face Toggle, Inuit, Alaska, 19th century, walrus...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Pipe, 19th century, wood and pewter, lg. 9 in.Provenance: Private collection, Oyster Bay, New York.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 345

    Eskimo Pipe, 19th century, wood and pewter, lg. 9 in.Pr...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Toggle Figure, Alaska, 19th century, human figure with seal heads for legs, two holes pierced for attachment to a garment, ht. 2
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 346

    Eskimo Toggle Figure, Alaska, 19th century, human figur...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Eskimo Awl, Alaska, 19th century, with stylized human head at one end, lg. 5 3/4 in.Provenance: Private collection, Stowe, Vermont.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 347

    Eskimo Awl, Alaska, 19th century, with stylized human h...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Awl, Alaska, 19th century, stylized fish with attached head, fine engraving highlighted in black, lg. 8 in.Provenance: Private c
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 348

    Eskimo Awl, Alaska, 19th century, stylized fish with at...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Eskimo Figure, Alaska, historic period, possibly used as an arrow wrench, in the abstract shape of a human, ht. 2 1/4 in.Provenance: Pr
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 349

    Eskimo Figure, Alaska, historic period, possibly used a...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Needle Case, Alaska, 19th century, wood ends, bone tube, in the form of a fish with blackened incised designs, lg. 6 1/4 in.Prov
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 350

    Eskimo Needle Case, Alaska, 19th century, wood ends, bo...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Eskimo Model Ship, Alaska, c. 1900, attributed to Angokwazhuk (Happy Jack) (c. 1870-1918), Inupiat, Nome, constructed from bone and wal
    Estimate
    $12,000 - $15,000
    Lot 351

    Eskimo Model Ship, Alaska, c. 1900, attributed to Angok...

    Est.
    $12,000 - $15,000
  • Eskimo Drum Handle, Alaska, historic period, handle with bear and human head, pierced for attachment to a drum, smooth honey brown pati
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 352

    Eskimo Drum Handle, Alaska, historic period, handle wit...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Eskimo Toggle, Alaska, 19th century, carved from a walrus tusk, lg. 9 3/4 in.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 353

    Eskimo Toggle, Alaska, 19th century, carved from a walr...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Painted Wood Eskimo Food Bowl, Alaska, c. 1920s, the painted ovoid form with three stacked painted stylized caribou shot with arrows on
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 354

    Painted Wood Eskimo Food Bowl, Alaska, c. 1920s, the pa...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Eight Eskimo Nephrite Adze Blades, Inupiat peoples, collected from St. Lawrence Island and the mainland around Norton Sound, Alaska, lg
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 355

    Eight Eskimo Nephrite Adze Blades, Inupiat peoples, col...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Two Eskimo Adzes, the larger with a carved bone handle and sinew-bound nephrite adze blade, the smaller whalebone with small nephrite b
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 356

    Two Eskimo Adzes, the larger with a carved bone handle ...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Eight Eskimo Nephrite Adze Blades, Inupiat peoples, collected from St. Lawrence Island and the mainland around Norton Sound, Alaska, lg
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 357

    Eight Eskimo Nephrite Adze Blades, Inupiat peoples, col...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Small Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, abstract form, raised nose and brow, lines incised across the cheeks, ht. 2 in.Provena
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 358

    Small Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, abstra...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Eskimo Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, (minor surface loss), lg. 3 in.Provenance: Private collection, Stowe, Vermont.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 359

    Eskimo Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, (minor surface...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Wrist Guard, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, decorated with pigmented incised geometric patterns around the edge, pierced for attach
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 360

    Eskimo Wrist Guard, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, decorat...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Eskimo Prehistoric Polar Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, probably excavated on St. Lawrence Island, lg. 5 1/4 in.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 361

    Eskimo Prehistoric Polar Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Six Eskimo Harpoon Points, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, a long barbed point and five shorter points, together with a labret and bone nee
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 362

    Six Eskimo Harpoon Points, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, ...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, elongated male torso, (minor surface loss and loss to part of the head), lg. 4 1/4 in.
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 363

    Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, elongated ma...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Eskimo Gut Scraper, Alaska, Old Bering Sea III period, c. 300-500 AD, engraved on the front with curvilinear designs, (surface loss, lo
    Estimate
    $3,500 - $4,500
    Lot 364

    Eskimo Gut Scraper, Alaska, Old Bering Sea III period, ...

    Est.
    $3,500 - $4,500
  • Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Old Bering Sea II period, c. 100-300 AD, ht. 3, wd. 4 1/2 in.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 365

    Eskimo Harpoon Counterweight, St. Lawrence Island, Alas...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Human Head, Alaska, Old Bering Sea II period, 100-300 AD, oval, with simple grooves cut for eyes, mouth, eyebrows, and nose defi
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 366

    Eskimo Human Head, Alaska, Old Bering Sea II period, 10...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Small Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Okvik, Old Bering Sea I period, 200 BC-100 AD, elongated torso and head, traces of fine incising on torso,
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 367

    Small Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Okvik, Old Bering Sea I pe...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Northwest Coast Bone Trap Stick, mid-19th century, ht. 8 3/4 in.Provenance: Private collection, New York City.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 375

    Northwest Coast Bone Trap Stick, mid-19th century, ht. ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Northwest Coast Effigy Stone Pounder, Salish, Fraser River, possibly pre-contact, basalt, with a human head fashioned on the top of the
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 376

    Northwest Coast Effigy Stone Pounder, Salish, Fraser Ri...

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Northwest Coast Model Canoe, Nootka, fourth quarter 19th century, carved-out interior, painted exterior, lg. 21 1/2 in.Provenance: Priv
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 377

    Northwest Coast Model Canoe, Nootka, fourth quarter 19t...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Northwest Coast Carved Cedar Model Totem Pole, c. late 19th century, depicting three central clan crest animals, polychrome highlights,
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 378

    Northwest Coast Carved Cedar Model Totem Pole, c. late ...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Northwest Coast Mat Creaser, 19th century, wood, possibly Quinault, lg. 7 1/2 in.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 379

    Northwest Coast Mat Creaser, 19th century, wood, possib...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Northwest Coast Bakwas "Cockle-Hunter" Mask, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl) or Bella Bella, early fourth quarter 19th century, wood and pain
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 381

    Northwest Coast Bakwas "Cockle-Hunter" Mask, Kwakwaka'w...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000
  • Northwest Coast Carving Tool, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), fourth quarter 19th century, wood handle with mask at the final, inset iron bl
    Estimate
    $4,000 - $6,000
    Lot 382

    Northwest Coast Carving Tool, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl),...

    Est.
    $4,000 - $6,000
  • Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), fourth quarter 19th century, walrus tusk carved in the form of a raven wit
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 383

    Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiut...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Frontlet Mask, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), fourth quarter 19th century, hollowed-out crescent form with eyes and mouth,
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,400
    Lot 384

    Northwest Coast Frontlet Mask, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl)...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,400
  • Northwest Coast Hunting Bow, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), c. 1880s, highly polished exterior surface, inside a central cut groove runs th
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $2,500
    Lot 385

    Northwest Coast Hunting Bow, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), ...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $2,500
  • Northwest Coast Mask, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), northwest Vancouver Island, c. 1860/70, painted wood, possibly a representation of a N
    Estimate
    $7,000 - $9,000
    Lot 386

    Northwest Coast Mask, Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakiutl), northwe...

    Est.
    $7,000 - $9,000
  • Northwest Coast Carved Whalebone Bust, Haida, c. 1840-50s, with old inventory painted in black on the back "22-1 1876," ht. 2 7/8 in. P
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 387

    Northwest Coast Carved Whalebone Bust, Haida, c. 1840-5...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Northwest Coast Argillite Panel Pipe, Haida, c. 1860s, classic openwork form, very finely carved with a reclining raven with long open
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 388

    Northwest Coast Argillite Panel Pipe, Haida, c. 1860s, ...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Northwest Coast Argillite Panel Pipe, Haida, c. 1830-50, classic openwork form, very finely carved with at least six separate creatures
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 389

    Northwest Coast Argillite Panel Pipe, Haida, c. 1830-50...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Northwest Coast Argillite Shaman Figure, Haida, c. 1880-90, standing on a raised base, legs apart, wearing a fully decorated apron, wit
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 390

    Northwest Coast Argillite Shaman Figure, Haida, c. 1880...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000
  • Northwest Coast Argillite Totem Pole, Haida, c. 1880-90, with four figures in a typical stacked and graduated design, flat back, (missi
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 391

    Northwest Coast Argillite Totem Pole, Haida, c. 1880-90...

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Northwest Coast Argillite Totem Pole, by Charles Edenshaw (c. 1839-1920), Haida, c. 1900, the central raven figure envelopes a man hold
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 392

    Northwest Coast Argillite Totem Pole, by Charles Edensh...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000

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