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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60

UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST

Amulet, c. 1840-60
probably sperm whale tooth, 1.25 x 3 x 0.5 in (3.2 x 7.6 x 1.3 cm), measurements reflect dimensions without custom metal stand.

LOT 29
ESTIMATE: $6,000 — $9,000
PRICE REALIZED: $7,800.00

Further images

  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 1 ) UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 2 ) UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 3 ) UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
  • (View a larger image of thumbnail 4 ) UNIDENTIFIED TLINGIT ARTIST, Amulet, c. 1840-60
  • Amulet
Shaman’s amulets were receptacles of their spiritual power, often illustrating the kinds of journeys the shaman traveled in their quest for such power. Amulets were sometimes sewn to a shaman’s...
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Shaman’s amulets were receptacles of their spiritual power, often illustrating the kinds of journeys the shaman traveled in their quest for such power. Amulets were sometimes sewn to a shaman’s kilt, or strung as part of a necklace of bone and ivory pendants. On some occasions amulets were warmed by a fire and held against a patient’s body to focus their healing energy. Some were left with the patient to continue their treatment in the shaman’s absence.


This small amulet packs a lot of visual punch for its size. The larger image may represent a fish, with its back arching high from its head to the tail end. Beneath the fish and appended to it is a humanoid figure in a contorted state. The body is in a seated position, its feet below the lower jaw of the fish. The man’s elbow and hand rest along his lap, while the head is entirely inverted, perhaps a reference to the man traveling on a spiritual journey with the spirit fish, in a disembodied state.

Steven C. Brown


References: For similar examples see Allen Wardwell, Tangible Visions: Northwest Coast Indian Shamanism and its Art, (New York: The Monacelli Press, 1996), pg. 184, no. 240; this book has a large chapter devoted to amulets on p. 165-194.


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Provenance

The Allen and Sally Wardwell Collection, New York, NY;
A New York Collection.

Publications

Donald Ellis Gallery, 2012, ([s.l.] New York?: Donald Ellis Gallery. 2012), pl. 59, reproduced p. 139.
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The main office of First Arts Premiers Inc. is located on the ancestral and traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat, the original owners and custodians of this land.  Today, it is home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

 

 

 

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