Canadian Arts, Culture and History

Auction begins to close:
December 09, 2021 at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 578

Lot 578

Athabascan Bent Spruce Dog Sled, late 19th/early 20th century

Athabascan Bent Spruce Dog Sled, late 19th/early 20th century
Lot 578 Details
Athabascan Bent Spruce Dog Sled, late 19th/early 20th century

of continuous flexible construction with uprights fashioned from branches growing out of the trunk runners. 


34.5 x 84 x 31.5 in — 87.6 x 213.4 x 80 cm

Estimate $300-$500

Realised: $840
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Athabascan Bent Spruce Dog Sled, late 19th/early 20th century
  • Athabascan Bent Spruce Dog Sled, late 19th/early 20th century
Provenance:

First People's Museum of the American Indian and Eskimo, Allen, MI;
Cowan's Auctions, Cincinnati OH, Sept 19, 2004;
Private Collection, Toronto, ON

Note:

An essential vehicle for the transportation of food and others goods in harsh winter conditions, extant examples of historic Northern North American sleds are exceptionally uncommon, making definitive regional attribution difficult.

This surviving sled is likely of Athabascan origin, and appears to be constructed from spruce wood, a material favoured for its resistance to decay, and well documented for its use among Athabascan and neighbouring Alutiiq peoples. 

Formerly in the collection of the First People's Museum of the American Indian and Eskimo, Allen, Michigan.

CONDITION DETAILS

Condition report available upon request

LOT 578
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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.