十九世紀初 西伯利亞東北楚克奇族毛象牙雕雪鏡

finely carved with a subtle curvature to sit over the eyes and nose of a Chukchi, with long horizontal slits flanking the central raised arrowhead-shaped section, each short side pierced with a pair of apertures for strapping, the smoothly polished and patinated surface of a warm beige-tan colour with traces of old polychrome, metal stand

The goggles are in good overall condition, with just minute bruises to the edges and interior of the eye holes. There is general surface wear over the well polished patina.
"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."

楚克奇族是聚居在西伯利亞東北部荒地的古老部落，荒原上沒有一草一木，族人不得不依賴一切可用的自然資源。居住在內陸的楚克奇人放牧馴鹿，因此只有鹿角、骨骼和少許木材能夠用於製造工具，沿海居住的楚克奇人則靠捕魚為生，因此一根來自一萬年前的毛象獠牙自然是珍稀罕物，價值自不必言。此副雪鏡雕刻精美，細膩光潔，有彩色裝飾痕跡，相信楚克奇族人一定珍而視之，雪鏡應屬部落中地位較高的尊者所有。

楚克奇人的聚居地長年白雪皚皚，冬季最低溫可達到攝氏零下50度。所有雪鏡上都有窄縫，用以減弱視網膜上接受到的光線，有效防止因雪地反射北極低高度日光而導致的雪盲。