Tlingit Polychromed Wood Comb

finely and deeply carved in the form of a beaver holding a rod in its teeeth and forepaws, surmounted by a panel enclosing two masks in low relief, the reverse with additional totemic and crest designs, the whole painted in vermillion red, bluish-green and black pigments; twenty-nine unpainted tines.

Sold Christie's London, June 1983, lot 101
Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal
Sold Sotheby's New York, May 2009, lot 59
Acquired from the above sale

Minor restoration to the first tine, about 1/8 in. Otherwise the comb is in excellent condition.
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.

For a related example and a brief discussion see Stephen Phelps, Art and Artefacts of the Pacific, Africa and the Americas, The James Hooper Collection, London 1976, p. 323 and p. 308.

Also see Allen Wardwell, 1996, Tangible Visions, The Monacelli Press, New York, p. 208: "Shaman's wore both combs and hairpins during curing ceremonies as well as when not practicing. They are decorated with both spirit helpers and what appear to be crest emblems."

Also see Sotheby's New York, December 1998, lot 434; and Sotheby's New York, October 2006, lots 23 and 24.