Description Native American/First Nations, Inuit, ca. 1000 to 1600 CE. A striking carved walrus tusk figure of a bear, with an elongated body, short, nub-like legs, and a powerful head with delineated ears. Age has given the piece a warm mahogany-colored patina. Animism, the belief that all living and non-living things contain a spirit, has been a major part of Inuit tradition for centuries, and Inuit artists carved many beautiful objects representing the inhabitants of the natural world. Size: 3" W x 0.7" H (7.6 cm x 1.8 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: acquired at Skinners Auctions, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA; ex-Dr. John Schaeffer collection, Lake Monroe, Florida, USA
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.
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#156281
Condition Report The surface has a wonderful rich patina with a few surface hairline fissures caused by natural weathering of the material. Small chips from tail end and nose. Otherwise in excellent condition with form very well preserved. Light deposits.