Waddington's

First Arts: Inuit & First Nations Art

May 28, 2019

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LOT 52

Lot 52

UNIDENTIFIED

UNIDENTIFIED
Lot 52 Details
UNIDENTIFIED, possibly Inupiaq, Point Hope, Alaska

MASK

wood and baleen
mounted on a custom metal stand, c. late 19th century
4.5 x .75 in — 11.4 x 1.9 cm

Estimate $1,500-$2,500

Realised: $1,920
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

More Details Below   ↓

Lot Report

Provenance:

Provenance: a B.C. private collection

Note:

This mask’s minimalist features, coupled with natural imperfections in its surface, serve only to accentuate the its overall gentle convex form. It is unadorned and has no existing or missing attachments other than the remnants of a baleen strap that would have fitted it to the wearer’s head. Very unlike the often highly ornamented masks (mostly Yup’ik) that are typically associated with the Alaskan masking tradition, it nonetheless has quite a powerful presence.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

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LOT 52
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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.