Lot 88
  • 88

Rare Northwest Coast Polychromed Wood Clan Hat, Tsimshian or Tlingit

Estimate
300,000 - 500,000 USD
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Description

  • wood, ermine, black bear
of convex tapering form, finely incised with a totemic bird design, probably a raven, with an elongated beak, pointed oval eyerims beneath stylized ears, and backswept feather ruff, painted overall in black and vermillion red details with scalloping, crosshatching and other classic crest motifs, surmounted by a series of five cedarbark potlatch rings trimmed on the top with a plaque of brilliant abalone, red wool stroud, dentallium shell, ermine and a beaded hide pendant with tiny, glass seed beads in pink and white, large faceted beads in blue, yellow, orange and black, and tubular brass beads.

Provenance

Paul Rabut Collection
Economos Works of Art
Private Collection, New York
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Condition

Good to very good condition, with typical signs of age. This includes surface abrasion and paint loss, slightly heavier on one side, and evidenced in the catalogue detail image. There are small hairline cracks (evidenced in the catalogue detail image) that descend from the top of the hat which are typical because it's the densest section of the hat; these cracks are stable. Ermine drop has been with the hat for at least two decades but may have been replaced at one point as it does not show age consistent with the hat.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.