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OBS III Head
Alaska
Exceptional large carved head
Old Bering Sea III Culture
Archaic Eskimo
Marine ivory
300 A.D. – 500 A.D.
Height: 3 in. (8.1 cm)
Provenance:
Ex collection Harry Klamer, Toronto
Ex collection Perry Lewis, Connecticut
Published:
Ancient Eskimo Ivories of the Bering Strait, Wardwell figure 119
Museum exhibitions in 1986-1987:
Ancient Eskimo Ivories of the Bering Strait
Anchorage Fine Art Museum
Detroit Institute of Art
Museum of Natural History, New York
Sold
This head is exceptional for the cleanness of its lines, its size and the expressiveness of the features, blending ferocity and a hieratic quality.
The tautly stretched facial features are reminiscent of the art of Alberto Giacometti or Henry Moore.
The form of the nose calls to mind the depiction of the fluke of a whale, probably a shamanic reference. This only reinforces the aura of mystery surrounding this exceptional carved head.
This archaic carving demonstrates immense sculptural presence.
From an artistic standpoint, it is both beautifully haunting and mystical. The carving displays a deep power and psychological force about it.
Redolent of sacredness, this exceptional, large head from an immemorial past seems to stare at us with a gaze that is infinitely poetic and magnetic.
This sculpture is a veritable miniature giant.
The tautly stretched facial features are reminiscent of the art of Alberto Giacometti or Henry Moore.
The form of the nose calls to mind the depiction of the fluke of a whale, probably a shamanic reference. This only reinforces the aura of mystery surrounding this exceptional carved head.
This archaic carving demonstrates immense sculptural presence.
From an artistic standpoint, it is both beautifully haunting and mystical. The carving displays a deep power and psychological force about it.
Redolent of sacredness, this exceptional, large head from an immemorial past seems to stare at us with a gaze that is infinitely poetic and magnetic.
This sculpture is a veritable miniature giant.
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