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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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  • Northwest Coast Potlash Ladle, Haida, fourth quarter 19th century, wood ladle with crest imagery on the handle, old label reads "Haida
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 393

    Northwest Coast Potlash Ladle, Haida, fourth quarter 19...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Haida Wood Model Totem Pole, the lozenge-form base carved in the form of opposed totemic creatures, surmounted by a small totem with a
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 394

    Haida Wood Model Totem Pole, the lozenge-form base carv...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Northwest Coast Cedar Potlatch Ladle, Haida, c. 1900, with shell inlay in the eyes, (old crack to the ladle), lg. 22 in.Provenance: Dr.
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 395

    Northwest Coast Cedar Potlatch Ladle, Haida, c. 1900, w...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Northwest Coast Walking Stick, Tlingit, c. 1890s, in two parts, the handle completely carved with three zoomorphic animals, lg. 33, wd.
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 396

    Northwest Coast Walking Stick, Tlingit, c. 1890s, in tw...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Yewwood Halibut Club, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, carved in the form of a stylized fish, old inventory number
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 397

    Northwest Coast Yewwood Halibut Club, Tlingit, fourth q...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Hardwood Tobacco Pipe, Tlingit, early fourth quarter 19th century, musket barrel and abalone shell, in the form of a crouching bear, ri
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 398

    Hardwood Tobacco Pipe, Tlingit, early fourth quarter 19...

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Northwest Coast Halibut Hook, Tlingit, c. fourth quarter 19th century, wood, commercial twine and iron barb, depicting a shaman being b
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,400
    Lot 399

    Northwest Coast Halibut Hook, Tlingit, c. fourth quarte...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,400
  • Northwest Coast Mortuary Figure, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, a bear wearing a clan hat sits on a box, which in turn rests on
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 400

    Northwest Coast Mortuary Figure, Tlingit, fourth quarte...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Northwest Coast Wood Janus Figure, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, the front in the form of an avian figure with a humanoid head,
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 401

    Northwest Coast Wood Janus Figure, Tlingit, fourth quar...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Horn Spoon, Tlingit, early fourth quarter 19th century, mountain goat horn, metal pins and abalone shell inlay, the han
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 402

    Northwest Coast Horn Spoon, Tlingit, early fourth quart...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Horn Spoon, Tlingit, early fourth quarter 19th century, mountain goat horn, the handle a zoomorphic animal holding the
    Estimate
    $3,500 - $4,500
    Lot 403

    Northwest Coast Horn Spoon, Tlingit, early fourth quart...

    Est.
    $3,500 - $4,500
  • Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Tlingit, early fourth quarter 19th century, carved from caribou or elk antler, pierced twice for atta
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $12,000
    Lot 404

    Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Tlingit, early fourth ...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $12,000
  • Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, "Devil Fish" figure carved from walrus tusk, ht. 4 in.Provenanc
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 405

    Northwest Coast Shaman's Amulet, Tlingit, fourth quarte...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Northwest Coast Amulet, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, depicting a human in the mouth of a killer whale, another person rests on
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 406

    Northwest Coast Amulet, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th ce...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Northwest Coast Cedar Speaker's Staff, Tlingit, fourth quarter 19th century, with multiple clan crest animals including an octopus, lg
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,200
    Lot 407

    Northwest Coast Cedar Speaker's Staff, Tlingit, fourth ...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,200
  • Northwest Coast Carving, possibly Tlingit, late 19th century carving on a much older piece of walrus tusk, probably a handle, lg. 7 1/2
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 408

    Northwest Coast Carving, possibly Tlingit, late 19th ce...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Northwest Coast Frog Bowl, Tlingit, c. 1900, grease bowl in the form of a frog, with shell inlay eyes and bone inlay and embedded beads
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 409

    Northwest Coast Frog Bowl, Tlingit, c. 1900, grease bow...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Southwest Taos Drum, c. 1900, painted wood and rawhide, ht. 10 in.Provenance: Private collection, Oyster Bay, New York; Ann McCormack c
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 410

    Southwest Taos Drum, c. 1900, painted wood and rawhide,...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Large Taos Polychrome Wood and Hide Drum, early 20th century, with blue, black, and white pigments, hide cover, held by hide lashing, h
    Estimate
    $400 - $500
    Lot 411

    Large Taos Polychrome Wood and Hide Drum, early 20th ce...

    Est.
    $400 - $500
  • Zuni Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1940/50s, Zuni warrior Spi-ikne, black case mask with bird atop, painted flower ears, tube
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 412

    Zuni Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1940/50s, ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hopi Wood Katsina Doll, with white-painted body and kilt with green-painted wood appendages tied around the waist, casemask painted bla
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 413

    Hopi Wood Katsina Doll, with white-painted body and kil...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, mid-20th century, bear katsina, painted in black and white, with bear paw prints on either si
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 414

    Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, mid-20th cent...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, Ahote katsina, mid-20th century, with black case mask, yellow and red decoration, pop eyes, h
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 415

    Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, Ahote katsina...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1910/20s, with black striped wide horns and nose, yellow ruff, red shirt, and white kilt w
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 416

    Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1910/20s, ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1940s, Tasap katsina, tall case mask with long snout, head decorated with horsehair and tu
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 417

    Hopi Polychrome Carved Wood Katsina Doll, c. 1940s, Tas...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hopi Wood Katsina Doll, representing Lenang, the Flute Kachina from the Mixed Katsina Dance, with red-painted body and yellow and pale
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 418

    Hopi Wood Katsina Doll, representing Lenang, the Flute ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Large Hopi Wood Katsina, with white-painted body and short orange legs, forearms and shoulders also orange, the elaborate casemask with
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 419

    Large Hopi Wood Katsina, with white-painted body and sh...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Zuni Inlay Knifewing Man Pin, ht. 1 1/2 in.
    Estimate
    $200 - $250
    Lot 420

    Zuni Inlay Knifewing Man Pin, ht. 1 1/2 in.

    Est.
    $200 - $250
  • Zuni Inlaid Silver Rainbow Dancer Pin, ht. 2 3/4 in.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 421

    Zuni Inlaid Silver Rainbow Dancer Pin, ht. 2 3/4 in.

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Southwest Stone Inlay Bow Guard, Zuni, 20th century, large knifewing man set in large leather backed plaque, 5 x 3 1/2 in.Provenance: P
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 422

    Southwest Stone Inlay Bow Guard, Zuni, 20th century, la...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Three Southwest Silver and Turquoise Bracelets, one silver sand cast bracelet, the second sand cast with large turquoise stone, the thi
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 423

    Three Southwest Silver and Turquoise Bracelets, one sil...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet, with three settings surrounded by silver twisted rope work, dia. 2 3/8 in.
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 424

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Bracelet, with three settin...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Two Navajo Silver Bracelets and a Ring, c. 1960s, the bracelets each with three large stone settings, the man's silver ring set with t
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 425

    Two Navajo Silver Bracelets and a Ring, c. 1960s, the b...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Two Silver Navajo Cross Necklaces, two silver link necklaces, one with simple silver cross, the other cross with six turquoise settings
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 426

    Two Silver Navajo Cross Necklaces, two silver link neck...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, silver chain necklace with large turquoise setting, initials "JR" stamped on chain, lg.
    Estimate
    $250 - $350
    Lot 427

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, silver ...

    Est.
    $250 - $350
  • Navajo Silver Cross with Chain, large cross with four turquoise settings, silver link chain with "JR" monogram, lg. of cross 3 3/4, lg.
    Estimate
    $200 - $300
    Lot 428

    Navajo Silver Cross with Chain, large cross with four t...

    Est.
    $200 - $300
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, with large handmade silver beads with smaller beads at the ends, together with a large
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 429

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, with la...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, four-strand handmade silver bead necklace with large silver plaque with three turquoise
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 430

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Necklace, c. 1960s, four-st...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c. 1960s, with handmade silver beads, twelve blossoms, and a large naja with eight
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 431

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c....

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c. 1940s, with large handmade silver beads, fourteen turquoise-inlaid blossoms wit
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 432

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c....

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c. 1940s, with silver handmade beads, ten small blossoms each with two stones, and
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 433

    Navajo Silver and Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace, c....

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Southwest Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt, Navajo, with eleven conchas and the buckle with two stone settings, with leather belt, lg.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 434

    Southwest Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt, Navajo, wit...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Southwest Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt, Navajo, with ten conchas and the belt buckle, "GJ" stamp inside, (one concha missing), lg.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 435

    Southwest Silver and Turquoise Concha Belt, Navajo, wit...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Navajo Silver Concha Belt, c. 1920s-30s, seven intricately stamped conchas, the buckle with repousse and stampwork, with original leath
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 436

    Navajo Silver Concha Belt, c. 1920s-30s, seven intricat...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Navajo Silver Concha Belt, c. 1960s, eight leather-backed conchas on a narrow leather belt, (missing buckle), lg. 37 1/2 in.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 437

    Navajo Silver Concha Belt, c. 1960s, eight leather-back...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Two Navajo Silver and Turquoise Belts, 1940s, the first a link belt with nine conchas with turquoise inlay, the second a belt made up o
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 438

    Two Navajo Silver and Turquoise Belts, 1940s, the first...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Southwest Silver and Leather Bridle, Navajo, c. 1890s, an early form on commercial leather, the conchas with stamped and repousse work,
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,200
    Lot 439

    Southwest Silver and Leather Bridle, Navajo, c. 1890s, ...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,200
  • Hopi Baroque Pearl Necklace, by Verma Nequaatewa and Sherian Honhongva, Sonwai, together with 14kt gold drop earrings by Verma Nequaate
    Estimate
    $15,000 - $20,000
    Lot 440

    Hopi Baroque Pearl Necklace, by Verma Nequaatewa and Sh...

    Est.
    $15,000 - $20,000

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:+1 6173505400

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