Fine Pair of Haida Wood Portrait Figures

each wearing a blanket and standing with their left arm hugging their torso, the male, probably a depiction of a chief, with his right hand held in front, the masterfully carved head, with a small pronounced chin, goatee, aquiline nose, finely modeled broad cheekbones, slightly exaggerated, finely engraved pointed oval eye rims beneath arching brows, top-knot coiffure tied with a cloth drop, and a series of painted crest designs on the forehead, cheeks and temples, together with a female, probably a depiction of his wife, similarly carved with highly naturalistic features, and a coiffure parted down the center of the crown and bound at the back; painted with black and vermilion red pigments, rich patina overall.

Acquired from Michael Kan

Precolumbian Masterpieces: Mexico, Peru, Central America, American Indian, Merrin Gallery, 1985, p. 11, pl. 15

The male figure has a stable hairline crack through the center of the body; evidence of native repair in the form of hide lashings on the base. There appears to be a very minor chip to the coiffure. The female figure also has a hairline split that is stable and with Native repair. Both with typical wear for age and generally good 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 discussion of Haida portraiture in wood and related examples see Phelps, 1976, p. 307: “Sensitive portraiture was well within the scope of the Northwest Coast artist…The two figures, part of a dozen made in the 1820s, are beautifully serene and naturalistic studies." Also see Coe, 1977, no. 305 said to represent a chief and his wife, and Sotheby’s New York, May 2009, lot 201 for a closely related example.