686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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May 18, 2023
**First Time At Auction**
North America, Colonial Period, ca. 18th to mid-19th century CE. A fascinating wooden belaying pin hand-carved to feature a handle in the form of a human skull. The haunting visage is comprised of annular eye holes, a straight nasal opening, and a wide mouth. A suspension hole pierces through the skull, thread with a modern rope for suspension. Belaying pins were solid metal or wooden devices used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines of running rigging. The ominous use of a skull as the handle for this example suggests it may have been used by pirates, who frequently employed skeletal imagery as an intimidation tactic. Size: 2.4" W x 28" H (6.1 cm x 71.1 cm)
Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection
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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#178030
Chipping / indentation to top of head, as well as nicks, scratches, and abrasions throughout. Wearing away of finish on bottom tip and some areas of old inactive insect holes. Otherwise, intact with nice patina.
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