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Artworks
UNIDENTIFIED HAIDA ARTIST
Feast Spoon, c. 1900mountain goat horn and abalone, 10.25 x 2.5 x 8 in (26 x 6.3 x 20.3 cm)LOT 44
ESTIMATE: $2,000 — $3,000Further images
Although mountain goats are not found on Haida Gwaii, Haida artists traded with the mainland for mountain goat wool and horns. When carved and steamed, mountain goat horns take on...Although mountain goats are not found on Haida Gwaii, Haida artists traded with the mainland for mountain goat wool and horns. When carved and steamed, mountain goat horns take on a pliable, plastic quality that allows them to be formed into feast ladles and carved with elaborate figural handles. This feast spoon is formed from two mountain goat horns that are joined by copper pins where the bowl meets the handle. Hafting the two horns together allowed for a much larger implement to be created and more space to carve the figures on the handle. The handle features a humanoid form grasping its own tongue atop the head of a toothless creature that may be a dragonfly or frog. The middle of the handle features a band of inlaid, square abalone pieces over the head of a beaver. There is wear and some insect damage associated with age and use.
Provenance
A Toronto Collection.