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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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  • Indonesian Sword, Java, early 20th century, wood scabbard, hand-forged blade, ornately carved silver and wood handle, lg. of sword 28 1
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 49

    Indonesian Sword, Java, early 20th century, wood scabba...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Indonesian Ironwood Post Figure, Sumba, female figure probably atop an architectural element, (age cracks), ht. 15 in.Provenance: Priva
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $1,800
    Lot 50

    Indonesian Ironwood Post Figure, Sumba, female figure p...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $1,800
  • Timor Female Figure, with no feet, standing in a block with bent legs, rounded torso and arms attached by wood pegs, glass bead eyes, t
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 51

    Timor Female Figure, with no feet, standing in a block ...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Batak Lute, Karo Batak, northern Sumatra, Indonesia, early 20th century, ornately carved featuring animals and two guardian figures on
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 52

    Batak Lute, Karo Batak, northern Sumatra, Indonesia, ea...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Batak Lion Effigy Figure, Biang-biang, standing on a raised rectangular block with four truncated bent legs, and supporting an elongate
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 53

    Batak Lion Effigy Figure, Biang-biang, standing on a ra...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Indonesian Ritual Cloth, Tampan Darat, Lampung, Sumatra, late 19th century, cotton supplementary weft technique, the ground continuousl
    Estimate
    $10,000 - $15,000
    Lot 54

    Indonesian Ritual Cloth, Tampan Darat, Lampung, Sumatra...

    Est.
    $10,000 - $15,000
  • Philippines Textile, Ifugao, c. 1900, a skirt woven in cotton using natural dyes including indigo, 52 1/2 x 28 in.
    Estimate
    $400 - $500
    Lot 55

    Philippines Textile, Ifugao, c. 1900, a skirt woven in ...

    Est.
    $400 - $500
  • Philippine Beaded Bag, Kabir, Bagobo, Mindanao, c. 1900, woven with natural fibers and cotton, glass beads decorated the edges and make
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 56

    Philippine Beaded Bag, Kabir, Bagobo, Mindanao, c. 1900...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Philippines Warrior's Costume, Mindanao, Davao Province, Bagobo, c. 1900 or earlier, comprising an ornately decorated woven banana fib
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 57

    Philippines Warrior's Costume, Mindanao, Davao Province...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Zhen Feng Miao Necklace, early 20th century, metal necklace made up of five crescent sections elaborately engraved with floral and avia
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 58

    Zhen Feng Miao Necklace, early 20th century, metal neck...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Chinese Polychrome Nuo Mask, Sichuan Province, southwestern China, late 19th century, Nuo theater ritual, hollowed out form, exaggerate
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 59

    Chinese Polychrome Nuo Mask, Sichuan Province, southwes...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Zhuang Ethnic Minority Silk Embroidered Baby Carrier, Yunnan Province, China, early 20th century, silk satin-stitch embroidery and appl
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 60

    Zhuang Ethnic Minority Silk Embroidered Baby Carrier, Y...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Chinese Minority Silk Wedding Blanket, Buyi, Southern Guizhou Province, Qiannan area, China, cotton, silk thread, sewn from three strip
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 61

    Chinese Minority Silk Wedding Blanket, Buyi, Southern G...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Chinese Minority Silk Baby Blanket, Miao, Guizhou Province, Geyi area, China, with gray peacock motifs, embroidered blanket combines gr
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 62

    Chinese Minority Silk Baby Blanket, Miao, Guizhou Provi...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Digul River Shield, Irian Jaya, mid-20th century, narrow form with cutout and painted abstract designs on the front, handle attached on
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 63

    Digul River Shield, Irian Jaya, mid-20th century, narro...

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • Wooden Food Pounder, Schouten Islands, Papua New Guinea, mid-20th century, male ancestor figure atop the long pounder, overall black pa
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 64

    Wooden Food Pounder, Schouten Islands, Papua New Guinea...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Ramu River Canoe Paddle, Papua New Guinea, with stylized fish and crocodile motifs decorating the blade, and a finely carved crocodile
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 65

    Ramu River Canoe Paddle, Papua New Guinea, with stylize...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • May River Shield, Papua New Guinea, mid-20th century, the front fully decorated with typical May River cut and painted geometric design
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 66

    May River Shield, Papua New Guinea, mid-20th century, t...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • New Guinea Suspension Hook, Iatmul, Middle Sepik River Province, mid-20th century, old label and inventory number "LE 20" on the back,
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 67

    New Guinea Suspension Hook, Iatmul, Middle Sepik River ...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Three Ornamental Hair Combs from the Solomon Islands, 19th century, possibly Malaita Island, many segments of dried coconut-leaf midrib
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 68

    Three Ornamental Hair Combs from the Solomon Islands, 1...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Aboriginal Bark Painting, attributed to George Milpurrupurru (1934-1998), c. late 1960s, "Dupan-Final Rites Ceremony," natural pigments
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,600
    Lot 69

    Aboriginal Bark Painting, attributed to George Milpurru...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,600
  • Aboriginal Bark Painting, depicting spiders and webs, painted by Lipundja, at the Milingimbi Methodist Mission, Arnhem Land, June 1967,
    Estimate
    $1,800 - $2,600
    Lot 70

    Aboriginal Bark Painting, depicting spiders and webs, p...

    Est.
    $1,800 - $2,600
  • Aboriginal Wunda Shield, Central Desert, Australia, of typical form with grooved linear designs front and back, painted with red/ochres
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 71

    Aboriginal Wunda Shield, Central Desert, Australia, of ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hawaiian Neck Pendant, Niho Palaoa, early to mid-19th century, walrus ivory, (missing the human hair lei which was used to hang the pen
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 72

    Hawaiian Neck Pendant, Niho Palaoa, early to mid-19th c...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Collection of Hawaiian Tapa Fragments, Kapa, early 19th century, twenty-two pieces of Hawaiian tapa of various types and designs, sizes
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 73

    Collection of Hawaiian Tapa Fragments, Kapa, early 19th...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Hawaiian Tapa Cloth, Kapa, early 19th century, brown color with black pigmented stamped pattern, 75 x 98 in.Provenance: Private collect
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 74

    Hawaiian Tapa Cloth, Kapa, early 19th century, brown co...

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Hawaiian Tapa Cloth, Kapa, early 19th century, light brown with faint repeated patterns, tapa beater pattern clearly evident in the clo
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 75

    Hawaiian Tapa Cloth, Kapa, early 19th century, light br...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Hawaiian Wood Poi Bowl, early 19th century, kou wood, with a number of cracks which have been stabilized with inserted wood, ht. 5 1/2,
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 76

    Hawaiian Wood Poi Bowl, early 19th century, kou wood, w...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Austral Islands Paddle, Central Polynesia, mid-19th century, overall carved geometric designs, the top with eight stylized heads, squar
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 77

    Austral Islands Paddle, Central Polynesia, mid-19th cen...

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Maori Nephrite Adze Blade, 19th century, wide blade with polished surface, (two chips to blade edge), 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.Provenance: Dr.
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 78

    Maori Nephrite Adze Blade, 19th century, wide blade wit...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Maori Nephrite Hand Club, Patu, 19th century, the butt end pierced for wrist strap, smooth polished surface, lg. 14 in.Provenance: Dr.
    Estimate
    $2,500 - $3,500
    Lot 79

    Maori Nephrite Hand Club, Patu, 19th century, the butt ...

    Est.
    $2,500 - $3,500
  • Model Canoe Prow Ornament, Maori, early 19th century, wood with traces of pigments, carved prow tiki figure, for a model canoe, pierced
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 80

    Model Canoe Prow Ornament, Maori, early 19th century, w...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Two Tongan Hair Combs, Helu, 19th century, each consisting of a number of segments of dried coconut-leaf midrib, bound together by a de
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 81

    Two Tongan Hair Combs, Helu, 19th century, each consist...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Easter Island Figure, Mo'ai Kavakava, 19th century, wood, bone and obsidian, standing, slightly stooped, male human figure with an ema
    Estimate
    $5,000 - $7,000
    Lot 82

    Easter Island Figure, Mo'ai Kavakava, 19th century, woo...

    Est.
    $5,000 - $7,000
  • Fijian Whale Tooth Pendant, Tabua, c. 1820-40s, sperm whale tooth pendant pierced at either end for suspension, with faint traces of tw
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 83

    Fijian Whale Tooth Pendant, Tabua, c. 1820-40s, sperm w...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Fijian Hardwood Throwing Club, Ula, early 19th century, with tavatava carved grip and two holes at the butt for wrist strap, rich dark
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 84

    Fijian Hardwood Throwing Club, Ula, early 19th century,...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Fijian Hardwood Throwing Club, Ula, late 18th/early 19th century, decorated with many cutout dots along the handle, worn tavatava grip
    Estimate
    $600 - $900
    Lot 85

    Fijian Hardwood Throwing Club, Ula, late 18th/early 19t...

    Est.
    $600 - $900
  • Bamana Door Lock, Mali, in an abstract human form, with etched geometric pattern on the body of the lock, dark, rich brown patina with
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 86

    Bamana Door Lock, Mali, in an abstract human form, with...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Standing Bronze Bird, Senufo, early 20th century, (lead repair to the back of the bird), ht. 6 3/4 in.Provenance: Private collection, N
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 87

    Standing Bronze Bird, Senufo, early 20th century, (lead...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Senufo Lizard Carving, stylized carving of a crocodile with long thin neck, exaggerated legs, and a wide flat body with incised abstrac
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 88

    Senufo Lizard Carving, stylized carving of a crocodile ...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Senufo Janus Firespitter Helmet Mask, Waniougo, , hollowed form with two large animal faces, each with open mouth baring pointed teeth
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 89

    Senufo Janus Firespitter Helmet Mask, Waniougo, , hollo...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Brass Pigment Container, Lobi, early 20th century, lg. 4 3/4 in.Provenance: Private collection, New York City.
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 90

    Brass Pigment Container, Lobi, early 20th century, lg. ...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Lobi Maternity Figure, with long straight legs, an elongated torso, arms straight at sides, with small pointed breasts, an elongated ne
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 91

    Lobi Maternity Figure, with long straight legs, an elon...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Bangwa Royal Society Helmet Mask, cylindrical form with three faces carved in relief, the fourth side open, the high domed head surmoun
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $2,500
    Lot 92

    Bangwa Royal Society Helmet Mask, cylindrical form with...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $2,500
  • Mende Helmet Mask, Sowo, the oval face with close-set features, diminutive smiling mouth, pierced slit eyes in incised sockets, thick i
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 93

    Mende Helmet Mask, Sowo, the oval face with close-set f...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Mende Bundu Helmet Mask, from the Sante society, fat rolls on the neck above a heavily pierced rim support the triangular face with dow
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,800
    Lot 94

    Mende Bundu Helmet Mask, from the Sante society, fat ro...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,800
  • Baga Nalu Polychrome Mask, large face mask of typical elaborate form, with bared mouth, exaggerated nose, surmounted by tall ears and h
    Estimate
    $2,000 - $3,000
    Lot 95

    Baga Nalu Polychrome Mask, large face mask of typical e...

    Est.
    $2,000 - $3,000
  • Yaure Face Mask, hollowed-out form, with a stylized beard perimeter, a small pursed mouth, and long tubular nose dividing elongated sli
    Estimate
    $6,000 - $8,000
    Lot 96

    Yaure Face Mask, hollowed-out form, with a stylized bea...

    Est.
    $6,000 - $8,000

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