Brunk Auctions
Live Auction

September Premier Auction: Day 2

Sat, Sep 16, 2017 09:00AM EDT - Sun, Sep 17, 2017 09:00AM EDT
Lot 645

Native Alaskan Medicine Man Mask

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

late 19th/early 20th century, possibly Yup'ik, inscribed verso "Alaskan Indian/ Medicine Man Mask/ Presented by Frances Pearle Mitchell/1928", carved, incised and polychromed wood, humanoid form, with movable hinged mouth, inset wood teeth, holes along upper edge, 8-1/8 x 5 in.; with custom Plexi-glass stand

Notes: Shaman's masks were often made in pairs. This important mask is one of a nearly identical pair collected by Frances Pearle Mitchell in the early 1900s on her travels around the globe. By the 1930s she donated the bulk of her collection to the Museum of Anthropology, University of Missouri, including this mask's mate. As part of the Museum's Mitchell Collection, item number MAC 1966-0701 , that mask is one of the most popular items on display. Of the two matching masks, the one offered in our sale is the only one bearing an inscription. 

Probably Mathias Komor, New York, New York, circa 1960s or 1970s; A signed statement from the consignor regarding the provenance of this object will be provided to the buyer.

Condition

grime, mouth hinged with old copper wire, vertical cracks showing old glue repair running from the two hinge holes on body of mask only (not chin), old surface cracks and chips to carved edges consistent with age and wear

In house shipping.  Brunk Auctions provides in-house shipping via UPS Ground (signature required) for many items. Brunk Auctions will provide a shipping quote which includes shipping, materials, labor and insurance.  Insurance is based on the selling price and premium.

In order to provide an accurate shipping quote please provide the following:

  • Shipping address
  • Shipping method: if you have a UPS or Fed Ex account # we can bill your account 3rd Party and you can arrange payment for materials, labor and insurance.  If you have your own insurance please send a signed waiver of liability.

Shipping arrangements are made only after the invoice is paid.  The payment for shipping is a separate charge from payment of your lots.

Sales Tax: If you live in North Carolina and/or pick up from the auction house, and do not have a valid resale tax number on file with us, you MUST pay North Carolina state sales tax. The NC Sales Tax will not apply to any items being shipped out of state (unless the client resides in North  Carolina) or to those clients with a resale tax number.