September Premier Auction: Day 2
Sat, Sep 16, 2017 09:00AM EDT - Sun, Sep 17, 2017 09:00AM EDT
Live Auction
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
