Native American, North America, Pacific Northwest Coast, probably Alaskan Inuit, ca. early 20th century CE. A hand-carved walrus ivory totem pole of a slender, three-part form bearing fine detailing and vibrant pigment, all atop a separately carved rectangular base. Displayed on the pole is a seated anthropomorphic figure who holds a pair of fish and wears a broad, winged headdress surmounted by an eagle's head. Above the eagle head is a semicircular crown as well as a tapered conical crest bearing a pair of minimalist bear faces above crosshatched grooves, all beneath a petite avian creature, perhaps an eagle or raven. The creamy yellow-white composition is decorated with red and yellow pigments that nicely accent the smooth surfaces. Size: 2.1" W x 6.2" H (5.3 cm x 15.7 cm)

This is a pre-Act piece of walrus ivory under the MMPA and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece was made prior to 1972.

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167840

Seated figure, eagle wings, and eagle head up to minimalist avian creature are the 3 separately carved components, not including the rectangular base. Minor abrasions and fading to surface pigment, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of pigment and incised details. Two old inventory labels as well as "NW 6" written in black ink are visible underneath base.