Looking Backward: Archaic Arctic Art and Artifacts

July 0914, 2022
Auction begins to close at 3:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 8

Lot 8

Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE

Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE
Lot 8 Details
Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE

composed of ivory, carved and elaborately incised
4.25 x 1 x .5 in — 10.4 x 2.5 x 1.3 cm

Estimate $1,500-$2,500

Realised: $1,080
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE
  • Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE
  • Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE
  • Figural Needle Case, Ipiutak, Bering Sea Region or Inland Northwest Alaska, ca. 100 BCE – 800 CE
Provenance:

Bill Johnstone collection, Carlisle, UK

Note:

A highly embellished and elaborate sewing needle case whose outswept medial loops–if not the object as a whole–appear to be a derived from the stylised representations of seals sometimes depicted by the Ipiutak, such as an example found at an Ipiutak grave site near Tikigaq (Point Hope) (see Wardell, 113, pl 148).


Related Works:
Wardell, Allen, Ancient Eskimo Ivories of the Bering Strait, (New York: Hudson Hills Press Inc., 1986), 113, pl. 148.

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

Abrasions to surface of sculpture resulting in modeled coloration. Otherwise wear and losses commensurate with age. Overall good condition.

Please contact the specialist for further condition information.

LOT 8
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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.