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American Indian & Ethnographic Art

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  • Northern Plains Quilled Hairdrop, fourth quarter 19th century, quilled rawhide strip, with two bird motifs, with four long quilled thon
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,000
    Lot 289

    Northern Plains Quilled Hairdrop, fourth quarter 19th c...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,000
  • Northern Plains Hairdrop, c. 1870s/80s, a large carved circular shell pierced with attached with hide and four beads to an ermine pelt,
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 290

    Northern Plains Hairdrop, c. 1870s/80s, a large carved ...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Plains Bone Hair Pipe Breastplate, fourth quarter 19th century, two rows of long bone hair pipes with brass beads in a center line with
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 291

    Plains Bone Hair Pipe Breastplate, fourth quarter 19th ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Plains Ceremonial Chest Ornament, c. 1870s, Crow, eighteen strands of white and red beads, strung with sinew and attached to two leathe
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 292

    Plains Ceremonial Chest Ornament, c. 1870s, Crow, eight...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Plains Indian Beaded Hide Doll, c. 1900, Lakota, yellow painted hide dress with fringes and finely detailed beadwork on dress, and high
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 293

    Plains Indian Beaded Hide Doll, c. 1900, Lakota, yellow...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Plains Indian Beaded Hide Doll, c. 1900, Lakota, hide dress heavily fringed, with beaded yoke, a ring of white beads on the head and be
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 294

    Plains Indian Beaded Hide Doll, c. 1900, Lakota, hide d...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Cheyenne Beaded Hide Doll, fourth quarter 19th century, finely detailed beadwork, with fabric and horsehair plaited hair, and elaborate
    Estimate
    $1,200 - $1,500
    Lot 295

    Cheyenne Beaded Hide Doll, fourth quarter 19th century,...

    Est.
    $1,200 - $1,500
  • Plains Beaded Hide Doll, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th century, male doll with partially beaded and fringed shirt, leggings, and beaded m
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 296

    Plains Beaded Hide Doll, Lakota, fourth quarter 19th ce...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Pair of Great Lakes Cloth Dolls, early 20th century, large cloth male and female dolls, costumes bead-decorated with floral design work
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 297

    Pair of Great Lakes Cloth Dolls, early 20th century, la...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Plains Beaded Skull Cracker Club, fourth quarter 19th century, the hide-covered wood shaft completely beaded, with colored horse tail d
    Estimate
    $1,500 - $2,000
    Lot 298

    Plains Beaded Skull Cracker Club, fourth quarter 19th c...

    Est.
    $1,500 - $2,000
  • Historic Sioux Muslin Winter Count, c. 1930, the highly detailed painting is a later copy, probably depicting the years 1823-1908, base
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $12,000
    Lot 299

    Historic Sioux Muslin Winter Count, c. 1930, the highly...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $12,000
  • Native American Ledger Drawing "Touching Coup," c. 1870, a native warrior dressed in blue riding a black horse touching a green-painted
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $5,000
    Lot 300

    Native American Ledger Drawing "Touching Coup," c. 1870...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $5,000
  • Eastern Woodlands Ball Headed Club, c. 1800-20, long slightly curved handle terminating in a ball head, both sides of shaft with deeply
    Estimate
    $8,000 - $12,000
    Lot 301

    Eastern Woodlands Ball Headed Club, c. 1800-20, long sl...

    Est.
    $8,000 - $12,000
  • Upper Great Lakes Beaded "Octopus" Bag, third quarter 19th century, dark indigo blue stroud cloth bag, red cloth and smaller blue beads
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 302

    Upper Great Lakes Beaded "Octopus" Bag, third quarter 1...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Beaded Glengarry Hat, Iroquois, Seneca type, c. 1840s, the top decorated with foliate designs with borders, each side panel with additi
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 303

    Beaded Glengarry Hat, Iroquois, Seneca type, c. 1840s, ...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Seneca Clay Pipe Bowl, New York Seneca tribe, mid-19th century, clay bowl with three faces and incised geometric patterns, with old inv
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 304

    Seneca Clay Pipe Bowl, New York Seneca tribe, mid-19th ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Micmac Quilled Birch Bark Box, Quebec, dated on bottom "1853," lidded and decorated with geometric designs, (minor quill loss), ht. 2 1
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 305

    Micmac Quilled Birch Bark Box, Quebec, dated on bottom ...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Iroquois Pipe, c. 1820s, fashioned from a tree branch, with a metal tube inserted into the large hole at the top, with two carved faces
    Estimate
    $1,000 - $1,500
    Lot 306

    Iroquois Pipe, c. 1820s, fashioned from a tree branch, ...

    Est.
    $1,000 - $1,500
  • Two Northeast Carved Wooden Clubs, Penobscot, fourth quarter 19th century, the shorter with chip-carved fern designs and root-ball head
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 307

    Two Northeast Carved Wooden Clubs, Penobscot, fourth qu...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Large Northeast Birch Bark Lidded Hamper, Penobscot, early 20th century, with pictorial floral designs, ht. 23 1/4 in.
    Estimate
    $600 - $800
    Lot 308

    Large Northeast Birch Bark Lidded Hamper, Penobscot, ea...

    Est.
    $600 - $800
  • Eskimo Cribbage Board, Alaska, c. 1900, walrus tusk with black pigmented illustrations of seals, walrus, and hunter in a kayak, lg. 13
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 309

    Eskimo Cribbage Board, Alaska, c. 1900, walrus tusk wit...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Eskimo Pipe, 19th century, the wood stem in two parts, bound with leather strapping, the pewter bowl held by the strapping, lg. 12 1/2
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 310

    Eskimo Pipe, 19th century, the wood stem in two parts, ...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Two Small Eskimo Bears, Alaska, 19th century, the larger with detailed head, the smaller pierced at rear for suspension, (smaller bear
    Estimate
    $300 - $500
    Lot 311

    Two Small Eskimo Bears, Alaska, 19th century, the large...

    Est.
    $300 - $500
  • Two Eskimo Cutting Knives, Ulu, Alaska, historic period, both with incised decorated handles and steel blades, 3 3/4 x 4 and 2 x 2 in.P
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 312

    Two Eskimo Cutting Knives, Ulu, Alaska, historic period...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Two Eskimo Cutting Knives, Ulu, Alaska, 19th century, steel blades, one handle has a bear face carved into one end, ht. 4 1/4 and 4 in.
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 313

    Two Eskimo Cutting Knives, Ulu, Alaska, 19th century, s...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Wood Figure, Alaska, 19th century or earlier, armless figure with slightly bent legs, no feet, defined facial features, ht. 2 3/
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 314

    Eskimo Wood Figure, Alaska, 19th century or earlier, ar...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Figure, Alaska, 19th century, eyes and mouth pierced, holes for the arms (arms missing), ht. 2 1/2 in.Provenance: Dr. John Schae
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 315

    Eskimo Figure, Alaska, 19th century, eyes and mouth pie...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Five Eskimo Game Pieces, Alaska, historic period, in the shape of swimming birds, lg. 1 1/2 to 1 1/4 in.Provenance: Dr. John Schaeffer
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 316

    Five Eskimo Game Pieces, Alaska, historic period, in th...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Slate Spear Point, Alaska, 19th century, carved shaft with holes for attachment, metal pins holding the slate blade in place, lg
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 317

    Eskimo Slate Spear Point, Alaska, 19th century, carved ...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Eskimo Spear Point, Alaska, 19th century, wood shaft, pierced for attachment, with slate blade, lg. 15 1/2 in.Provenance: Dr. John Scha
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 318

    Eskimo Spear Point, Alaska, 19th century, wood shaft, p...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Harpoon Socket and Point, Alaska, 19th century, long harpoon socket piece, with incised circular and linear designs, with insert
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 319

    Eskimo Harpoon Socket and Point, Alaska, 19th century, ...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Wood Hafted Adze, Alaska, 19th century, curved wood handle with stone adze blade attached with sinew, lg. 15 1/2 in.Provenance:
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 320

    Eskimo Wood Hafted Adze, Alaska, 19th century, curved w...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Container, Alaska, 19th century, bone with wood ends, decorated with pigmented scrimshaw animals and figure, lg. 4 1/8 in.Proven
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 321

    Eskimo Container, Alaska, 19th century, bone with wood ...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Eskimo Female Figure, Alaska, 19th century, standing figure with right arm holding left, black pigment used to highlight facial details
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 322

    Eskimo Female Figure, Alaska, 19th century, standing fi...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Comb and a Seal Stratching Tool, Alaska, Thule culture, the comb with designs on both sides (missing the tines), the seal stratc
    Estimate
    $300 - $400
    Lot 323

    Eskimo Comb and a Seal Stratching Tool, Alaska, Thule c...

    Est.
    $300 - $400
  • Seven Eskimo Torso Figures, Alaska, Thule culture, seven small human figures, (some surface loss), ht. 3/4 to 1 3/4 in.Provenance: Dr.
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 324

    Seven Eskimo Torso Figures, Alaska, Thule culture, seve...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Eskimo Torso, Alaska, Thule, without arms, deep hole for the missing head to be fitted, smooth honey color patina, ht. 2 in.Provenance:
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 325

    Eskimo Torso, Alaska, Thule, without arms, deep hole fo...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Figure, Alaska, late Punuk or Thule, the figure stands straight with cutout arms held behind the back, incised lines decorate th
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 326

    Eskimo Figure, Alaska, late Punuk or Thule, the figure ...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Three Eskimo Artifacts, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, a handle and two items for attachment to garments, (surface loss to the handle), lg
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 327

    Three Eskimo Artifacts, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, a h...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Large Eskimo Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavated, (surface losses), lg. 6 3/4 in.Provenance: Dr. John Schaeffer collection, Lak
    Estimate
    $800 - $1,200
    Lot 328

    Large Eskimo Bear, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavate...

    Est.
    $800 - $1,200
  • Eskimo Chain and Drum Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, three-link chain with end piece, excavated drum handle with toggle, lg. of ch
    Estimate
    $200 - $400
    Lot 329

    Eskimo Chain and Drum Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 A...

    Est.
    $200 - $400
  • Female Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, female figure with one cutout hand on back, the left hand on waist, incised and chip-
    Estimate
    $3,000 - $4,000
    Lot 330

    Female Eskimo Figure, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, femal...

    Est.
    $3,000 - $4,000
  • Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, bone with weathered surface, wd. 6 1/8 in.Provenance: Dr. John Schaeffer collection,
    Estimate
    $700 - $900
    Lot 331

    Harpoon Counterweight, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, bone...

    Est.
    $700 - $900
  • Eskimo Adze Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, decorated with complex incised designs, (some surface loss), lg. 7 1/2 in.Provenance: D
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 332

    Eskimo Adze Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, decorat...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Two Eskimo Fragments, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, a sled line runner and a tool handle, both decorated with finely incised line designs
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 333

    Two Eskimo Fragments, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, a sle...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Eskimo Bear, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavated, hole pierced between rear legs, lg. 3 1/2 in.Provenance: Dr. J
    Estimate
    $400 - $600
    Lot 334

    Eskimo Bear, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, Punuk, 500-12...

    Est.
    $400 - $600
  • Eskimo Drum Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavated handle with incised and drilled decorations, (surface loss), lg. 5 3/4 in.Pro
    Estimate
    $500 - $700
    Lot 335

    Eskimo Drum Handle, Alaska, Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavat...

    Est.
    $500 - $700
  • Four Eskimo Harpoon Points, Alaska, early Punuk, 500-1200 AD, excavated, each decorated with incised designs, one still has part of sla
    Estimate
    $400 - $500
    Lot 336

    Four Eskimo Harpoon Points, Alaska, early Punuk, 500-12...

    Est.
    $400 - $500

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