Native American, North America, Alaska, Inuit, ca. second half of the 19th century CE, signed by T. Gray. An enormous whale rib presenting a dramatically curved form with one thick end that gradually tapers to a narrow tip. The rounded obverse surfaces are expertly carved with intricate creatures and figures that include - from left to right - a right-facing whale, a quartet of walruses with lengthy tusks, a furry bear striding to the left, three seals, a hunter paddling in a canoe, and a left-facing whale. The entire rib bone exhibits creamy yellow patina that is smooth to the touch, and an inscribed signature near the wider end reads, "T. Gray." Size: 41.5" L x 2" W (105.4 cm x 5.1 cm); 15.1" H (38.4 cm) on included custom stand.
This is an ESA antique exempt piece of bone 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 is over 100 years old.
Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection
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#136118
Condition
Repair to narrow side roughly one-quarter inch, with very small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor nicks and age-commensurate ossification, with softening to some finer details, and light encrustations within some incised details. Nice patina throughout.