Haida, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Argillite
Length 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Provenance: Sotheby's New York, December 3, 1986, Lot 907 (illustrated)
This Haida argillite pipe is carved in the form of a man's head flanked by a crouching frog and bear, a grouping consistent with Northwest Coast crest and transformation imagery. Argillite pipes were produced for the outside trade market beginning in the mid-19th century, with the finest examples featuring densely composed figural subjects. The 1880 date places this pipe within the mature period of argillite carving on Haida Gwaii.
The carving is executed with precision and confidence, the figures compact and well integrated across the length of the pipe. The black stone retains a deep polish from age and handling, and the figural grouping shows the kind of concentrated narrative typical of the best argillite work. Its Sotheby's New York provenance, with illustration in the 1986 sale catalogue, adds a clear and documented collecting history.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Haida, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
Argillite
Length 12 in. (30.5 cm)
Provenance: Sotheby's New York, December 3, 1986, Lot 907 (illustrated)
This Haida argillite pipe is carved in the form of a man's head flanked by a crouching frog and bear, a grouping consistent with Northwest Coast crest and transformation imagery. Argillite pipes were produced for the outside trade market beginning in the mid-19th century, with the finest examples featuring densely composed figural subjects. The 1880 date places this pipe within the mature period of argillite carving on Haida Gwaii.
The carving is executed with precision and confidence, the figures compact and well integrated across the length of the pipe. The black stone retains a deep polish from age and handling, and the figural grouping shows the kind of concentrated narrative typical of the best argillite work. Its Sotheby's New York provenance, with illustration in the 1986 sale catalogue, adds a clear and documented collecting history.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
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