4471 MAGNIFICENT OLD INUIT CARVED NARWHAL TUSK

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 03 @ 10:00 (UTC-4 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 5,000.00 USD
Estimated at 10,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
(MONODON MONOCEROS) WITH PERMIT FROM FEDERAL NOAA AGENCY. This dates to the mid-20th century. A carved Narwhal tusk such as this is very rare, in fact, this cataloger could not find a comparable old example; the one or two that we discovered were of recent creation and as such have nearly no patina and is stark white. This beautiful carving exhibits age. Many of the high relief carved portions have developed a light honey or amber patina with age. It represents an extraordinary artistic attempt because of the size, density, and fragility of this very long carving. The tusk is carved in a totemic style with various figures arranged one on top of the other. The base of the shaft depicts on one side a man with his arms over his head holding a harpoon. The opposite side of the tusk depicts a well-figured mermaid. Both figures appear to have either carbon or pieces of black argillite set for eyes. The mermaids’ arms are above her head which appear to hold up the next carving which depicts a large walrus. Continuing above the walrus on the shaft is standing polar bear; the man appears to be supporting another polar bear, above the polar bear is a seal. The remainder of the shaft going up has 7 alternating Narwhals in relief replete with their horns. The topmost set with a delicate carved toothpick-like Narwhal tusk. Also, interspersed are two small seals. All figures are set with similar black eyes as mentioned previously. This is truly a spectacular example of old Inuit carving. SIZE: 67" to the tip of the tusk carving. The base of the tusk is approximately 1 1/4" dia. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: accompanied by a document from the federal NOAA Agency attesting to the fact that this may be sold here in the United States. CONDITION: as mentioned before, the tusk has developed a wonderful light honey patina on the high spots. The tusk may have been quite old at the time it was carved as there are a few separations in the ivory in various places; some of which the carver filled with some material at the time so that there were no open pores. Near the top, there is a filled fracture line that runs around the tusk which has also been filled by the carver. Unquestionably the most distinguished piece of carved Inuit work we have ever handled. PROVENANCE: Lifelong California Collection. (05-996/JJ). $10,000-20,000.