- 43
Tsimshian or Tlingit Polychromed Wood Ceremonial Rattle
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description
- wood
of classic form with a cylindrical grip, very finely carved with an avian creature on the underbelly, with typical formline details, the body carved in the form of a flying raven, holding a small medallion in its slightly parted beak, a mythological representation of the sun, the head thrust slightly upward with openwork ears supporting the large rectangular head of a shaman reclining on its back, with attenuated angular limbs, the hands wrapped around the splayed legs, his stylized mask-like face with a tongue projecting in to the beak of another bird, probably a kingfisher, with a flattened backswept crest; the whole with red and black painted details.
Condition
Overall wear to the rattle, heavy in some places. The beak on the underbelly is missing. Remains of old glue on the joins. Clean breaks on each of the shaman figure's limbs; re-glued. No restoration on the piece, just conservation.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
For a discussion of raven rattles see Jonaitis, 1988, p. 74: "During their celebrations, the Northwest Coast Indians performed elaborate dances accompanied by percussive music. One of the most exquisite instruments...was a rattle ...The body of this rattle represents raven, a mischievous and powerful mythological being. Some conjecture that this bird is performing one of his most admirable acts: stealing the sun."