Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A charming snuff box carved from wood with a leather strap and lining, and a walrus ivory tusk carved into a walrus shaped finial. The wooden vessel is rectangular with incised and burnished lines that crosshatch the exterior to create a woven basket pattern. The top and bottom both have lids that are attached with hinges made from leather panels. One side contained the snuff or tobacco, and the other held the snuff horn. The lower lid has a leather strap that ties around the box to secure both lids. The upper has an adorable walrus handle with drilled eyes that may have been inlaid at one time, and the snout is supported by tusks, all carved from ivory. Size: 2.875" L x 1.5" W x 2.5" H (7.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 6.4 cm)
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory 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 Newport Beach, California, 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.
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.
#166452
Condition
Active flaking and cracking to leather on the interior of lids. Light mineral deposits on interior and exterior. Dark patina on wood.