Native American, Northwestern United States, Alaska, Inuit, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A charming vintage toothpick holder, hand carved from walrus tusk ivory. The base is in the form of a blubbery walrus, with his own tusks protruding from his snout. The face is lightly incised and painted with black pigments for the eyes and whiskers. Upon his back is the receptacle for the picks, a deep cylinder with a scalloped rim. An excellent and charming piece that could still function as a holder! Size: 1.3" L x 1" W x 3" H (3.3 cm x 2.5 cm x 7.6 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.
#166456
Condition
Intact and excellent. Minor surface such as scratches. Could be used for its intended purpose!