Coffre, Inuit ,Alaska

de forme rectangulaire, en bois avec rivets en cuivre et liens en peau, ornée sur chaque côté d'un masque aux traits anthropomorphes, sculpté en haut relief, les yeux et la bouche sertis d'éclats de porcelaine. Les côtés et le couvercle sont ponctués d'incrustations circulaires de porcelaine et de nacre.

Collection Jay C. Leff, Uniontown, PA
Sotheby's, New York, octobre 1983, n° 381
James Economos, New York
Collection privée, New York

The box is in good original condition with heavy wear from use and age.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ce coffre était vraisemblablement utilisé pour contenir des petits objets de la vie quotidienne, comme des outils ou des jouets. cf. Fitzhugh et Kaplan (1982 : 152, n^o 182) pour un exemplaire comparable, supposé être inspiré d'une malle de voyage européenne ; et Ray (1981 : 191, n^o. 175) pour une tabatière offrant un décor comparable de masques, collectée en 1840 et conservée à St-Petersbourg. 

An Inuit wood box, Alaska

This box was probably used to hold small everday objects, such as tools or toys. See Fitzhugh and Kaplan (1982: 152, no 182) for a comparable example, supposed to be inspired by a European travel trunk; and Ray (1981: 191, no 175) for a snuff box decorated with similar masks, collected in 1840 and now in St. Petersburg.