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Art of the Northwest Coast: Tradition & Transformation

September 16 — 21, 2023
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LOT 5

Lot 5

Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw

Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw
Lot 5 Details
Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw

NOBLE GIRL'S SPOON, CA. 1850S

wood, eulachon oil
on wood and metal stand
subject 7.75 x 2.50 x .50 in — 19.7 x 6.4 x 1.3 cm

Estimate $300-$400

Realised: $209.10
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

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Lot Report

Additional Images
Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw
  • Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw
  • Unidentified Artist, Kwakwaka'wakw
Provenance:

Private Collection, Seattle, WA;
Private Collection, Toronto, ON

Note:

Among the Kwakwaka'wakw in historic times, it was considered poor manners for young unmarried girls of high cast to open their mouths wide while eating. According to anthropologist Franz Boas, the finely pointed spoons that are distinctive to Kwakwaka'wakw are related to this requirement.

As in some old and well-used feast bowls, this example has a thick tacky patina due to years of saturation in eulachon oil.

CONDITION DETAILS

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

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LOT 5
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.