Chinook, Western Washington State, circa 1750-1820, fossilized whale bone with piercings and wolf figures at sides, 6 x 9-1/2 in.; on bespoke iron stand, 5 in. tall.
Provenance: Private Collection from a member of the Oregon Historical Society, 1950's (according to Donald Ellis Gallery); Jack Curtwright, Tacoma, Washington; Donald Ellis Gallery, Ontario, Canada, January 16, 1997 (a facsimile of an original invoice accompanies this lot); An Important Atlanta Private Collection
Note: For related examples, see: Wright, Robin Kathleen, and Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum. 1991. A Time of Gathering : Native Heritage in Washington State. Seattle: Burke Museum, plate 61; Eells, Myron. 1985. The Indians of Puget Sound : The Notebooks of Myron Eells. Edited by George Pierre Castile. Seattle, Walla Walla, Wash.: University of Washington Press ; Whitman College, page 171.
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Private Collection from a member of the Oregon Historical Society, 1950's (according to Donald Ellis Gallery); Jack Curtwright, Tacoma, Washington; Donald Ellis Gallery, Ontario, Canada, January 16, 1997 (a facsimile of an original invoice accompanies this lot); An Important Atlanta Private Collection
rich, warm brown patina overall commensurate with age and use, softened edges and corners with no apparent losses or repairs
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