Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States or Canada, Tlingit or Haida people, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. This is a beautiful amulet in the form of an orca (killer whale) with a human riding on its back, hand-carved from walrus tusk ivory. The whale is characteristically stylized and curved as if diving below the waves and the woman seated on the spine faces forward in profile, her openwork arm and leg creating suspension holes to secure the amulet on a cord. The whale is inlaid with light-shifting nacre that emphasizes the idea of transformation and the supernatural. Shamans wore protective charms during healing rituals to hold and protect the ill person's soul. Orcas in Tlingit and Haida culture are believed to be ancestors and can assume the shape of humans and can walk on the land in disguise, the orca is also believed to protect travelers and guide them home when needed. Size: 3.25" L x 2" W (8.3 cm x 5.1 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 Brevard, North Carolina, 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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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.
#171039
Condition
Hairline fissure on orca's nose and head area and minor surface nicks, but overall excellent condition and intact.