Carved tusk or bone
This appears to be a carving of a native fisherman. There is a mask of another material. This material also appears to be inlaid in circles along the sleeve edges and hem of the garment. He is holding a spear that still has the twine/hemp rope attached. He is about 13" tall & about 4" X 2.5" wide/deep. He is about 7" total front to back including the spear.
unknown
Other
Maybe
Hi Kari,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
There are some restrictions for selling carved bone - you may need to have this scientifically analyzed to determine that it's not a bone or tusk from an endangered species. Other than the wooden harpoon and cording, this is all bone/tusk that has been gradually carved down from the outside so you're not seeing added layers but rather layers taken away.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Northwest Native American / Canadian (Inuit or Yupik?) figural carved bone tusk
20th Century
In the form of a Native American fisherman with ivory goggles in the act of throwing a wooden harpoon, with hemp cording and ivory tip, indistinctly marked underneath
13 inches tall
CONDITION: appears to be in good condition
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
The only labs I know of are on the east coast but you might contact one of the major auction houses (Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams) who have offices in Seattle to see who they recommend. Good luck and let me know if you have additional questions.
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly. Do you know how/where I could get it analyzed to see if I am OK to sell it? I live in the Seattle area if that is helpful.
Thank you again!