Native American, Pacific Northwest Coast, United States, Alaska, St. Lawrence Island, Thule/Yupik peoples, Punuk stage, ca. 800 to 1400 CE. A pair of miniature effigy figurines carved from walrus ivory, depicting a seal and a bird. Both feature minimalist forms, with the bird likely representing a long-necked waterfowl, such as a goose or swan. It has a pierced hole for suspension and a flat base for upright display. These figurines may have served dual purposes as amulets and game pieces. Size of seal: 1.9" L x 0.5" W (4.8 cm x 1.3 cm); bird: 2" L x 0.75" W x 1" H (5.1 cm x 1.9 cm x 2.5 cm); Riker case: 4" L x 3" W (10.2 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.
Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, 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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#192423
Condition
Seal has an old loss to the rear flipper. Bird has abrasions and old chips. Dark patina to both, and each come in a modern Riker case.