358

A Shaman's Ceremonial Guardian Implement, ca. 1850

The Quinault Indians inhabited what is now the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, living along the coast, and are a distinct group of people that included the larger Salish complex of tribes. The most striking examples of their sculptural traditions are found in their highly stylized, extremely rare 'power figures', as represented in this lot.

For a comparable example, identified as a rattle, see Holm (1983: 30): "This little figure is much more than a rattle. In fact its function as a rattle is secondary to its real purpose, the giving of assistance to a shaman at work. A number of similar carvings are known and something of their use and significance recorded. It is a representation of a spirit helper of the shaman, said to look just like that spirit experienced by the owner in a trance. The facial painting [...] are just as the spirit appeared."
21 1/4 x 3 x 2 3/4 in. (53.98 x 7.62 x 6.99 cm.), Including Stand: 22 x 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (55.88 x 11.43 x 11.43 cm.)

  • Provenance: Private Collection, New Mexico

    For further discussions of style and attribution and for illustrations of comparable examples, see:
    Bill Holm, The Box of Daylight: Northwest Coast Indian Art, University of Washington Press, 1983, p. 30.

    Paul Wingert, American Indian Sculpture: A Study of the Northwest Coast, J.J. Augustin, New York, 1949, p. 66, Fig. 1-6.

    For a similar example, see:
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, L.2018.35.66
  • Condition: The figure is in overall very good, original condition.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

Shipping Options

Invaluable Shipping

  • Expert Care packing and Shipping
  • Shipment Protection
  • Real-time tracking

Arrange your own

  • You will coordinate with us to arrange your own shipping

Local pickup

  • You will coordinate with us and arrange pick up time after payment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

February 7, 2021 11:30 AM MST
Santa Fe, NM, US

Santa Fe Art Auction

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $499,999:
20.00%
$500,000 - $999,999:
17.00%
$1,000,000+:
15.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $29,999 $2,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $30,000