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Looking Backward: Archaic Arctic Art and Artifacts

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July 14, 2022 at 3:00 pm ET

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LOT 1

Lot 1

Female Figure, Punuk or Early Thule, Sivuqaq (St. Lawrence Island), ca. 500-1000 CE

Female Figure, Punuk or Early Thule, Sivuqaq (St. Lawrence Island), ca. 500-1000 CE
Lot 1 Details
Female Figure, Punuk or Early Thule, Sivuqaq (St. Lawrence Island), ca. 500-1000 CE

ivory, with prominent genitals and facial tattooing
9.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 in — 24.9 x 6.4 x 3.8 cm

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $31,200
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

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Lot Report

Additional Images
Female Figure, Punuk or Early Thule, Sivuqaq (St. Lawrence Island), ca. 500-1000 CE
  • Female Figure, Punuk or Early Thule, Sivuqaq (St. Lawrence Island), ca. 500-1000 CE
Provenance:

Bill Johnstone collection, Carlisle, UK

Literature:

Mantel, Ken, Tuvaq: Inuit Art and the Modern World, (Bristol: Sansom and Company Ltd., 2010), 191, pl. 196.

Note:

Exhibiting the formalized linear style associated with Punuk expression, the figure bears facial tattooing of a manner in keeping with the visible gender identity of the depiction. Physically large by contrast to its diminutive Okvik predecessors, the present work has an accordingly substantial presence. The characteristic Punuk inclusion of truncated forearms, (appendages wholly absent in Okvik figuration) does not disrupt the aesthetically compact profile of the figure, which is characterized by a subtle taper approaching the elongated lanceolate head of the sculpture.

Related Works:
Fitzhugh, William W., Julie Hollowell, and Aron L. Crowell, Ancient Gifts from the Ancestors; Ancient Ivories of the Bering Strait, (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009), 199, pl. 15.
Wardell, Allen, Ancient Eskimo Ivories of the Bering Strait, (New York: Hudson Hills Press Inc., 1986), 97, pl. 114.

Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialists for further details.

CONDITION DETAILS

Wear and losses commensurate with age. Some open splitting. Overall good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

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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.