| Press Contact: | Doug Deihl, Director | Catherine Riedel, Director |
| American Indian & Ethnographic | Marketing & Public Relations | |
| Skinner, Inc | Skinner, Inc | |
|
978-779-6241 ext. 254 |
AMERICAN INDIAN AND ETHNOGRAPHIC
AUCTION AT SKINNER JANUARY 29TH IN BOSTON
Among the Finest Offerings of Pottery, Tribal,
and Northwest Material Ever at Skinner
BOSTON, Mass. - December 21, 2004 – www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, one of the nation's leading auction houses, will host an auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art in Boston on January 29th at 10 a.m. The sale features extraordinary selections of Plains artifacts, pottery, weavings, and beadwork, in addition to fine offerings in photography and basketry.
"There is something for everyone in this auction, from the novice to the most experienced collector," says department director, Douglas Deihl. "Skinner is of course known for its world record prices. But what many collectors may not be aware of is the fact that our sales also include a variety of affordable offerings which are fresh to the market from estates, museums, and private collections. This a wonderful sale at all levels."
Northwest Coast
Two of the most important offerings come from the Northwest Coast: a rare Haida mask from the 1830s period depicting a woman wearing a lip labret (lot 292), and a mid-nineteenth century polychrome Bella Bella mask (lot 295), as well as some fine smaller carvings.
Tribal Art and Artifacts
The auction opens with the largest tribal grouping offered to date at a Skinner sale. Highlights include an interesting collection of Dogon material from the late Gilbert Graham, a noted New York collector. Also to be offered is a good group of Yoruba Ibeji dolls, and a fine Senufo mask. The variety of eclectic items also features a rare mid-19th century Tahitian Tapa cloth poncho.
Plains
The extensive selection of Plains material includes a rare Northern Plains beaded child's robe, and a fine collection of pipe bags, one of which bears an early tag attributing it to Chief Rain In The Face. Also offered is a beautiful Southern Plains (probably Cheyenne) child's coat, and several cradles, including a fully beaded Lakota example, and a Cheyenne cradle with boards. Classic Crow items include a wonderful rifle scabbard, and a beaded Martingale. Rounding out the selection are a tomahawk with tacked handle, and a varied and very unusual group of beaded Plateau bags with horse imagery.
Weavings
The auction features an impressive selection weavings, led by a rare mid-nineteenth century Navajo serape (lot 499). "It's quite possibly a slave blanket, and a very interesting piece," notes Deihl. Other offerings include some fine Germantown weavings, including a Moki pattern example, and a nice group of pictorial rugs, including two depicting horses.
Pottery
"The pottery in this auction is among the best selection that Skinner has ever offered," says Deihl. Highlights include two Hopi seed jars (lot 436), both in all likelihood made by the famous Nampeyo. Also featured are a fine group of San Ildefonso pots, and several classic Zuni pottery ollas (lot 419 is one). An exceptional early Acoma water jar depicting a parrot is among the other fine and unusual examples round out this intriguing collection.
Baskets
Baskets are highlighted by a fine Yokuts bottleneck (lot 472) and two California pictorial baskets, one depicting scorpions (lot 477), and the second, depicting butterflies. Another unusual example is a small Chitimacha basket from Louisiana.
Photography
Leading the auction's photography is an early 1880s boxed set of Yellowstone photographs by F. Jay Haynes. There are also several other souvenir photograph albums from various places, including the Grand Canyon. Several cabinet cards by George W. Scott taken at Fort Yates, Dakota enhance the selection. Images include Sitting Bull, Gall, Rain In The Face, and Low Dog.
Additional Highlights
Additional items include several pairs of moccasins, highlighted by a pair of pre-1850 Delaware moccasins (lot 259), from the Charles and Blanche Derby Collection. Inuit material features a fine collection of ivory cribbage boards, selected early model kayaks, and a very nice wood utility box with ivory and bone tools in it.
Catalogue and Preview Information
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Thursday, January 27th, 12 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 28th, and 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, January 29th. Illustrated catalog #2265 is available by mail for $29 ($35 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $26. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sale. For more information, call 978-779-6241, or visit www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
Note to Editors: Photos available upon request.
Contact Catherine Riedel at 978-779-6241 x 231.
About Skinner:With galleries in Boston and Bolton, Mass., Skinner is a full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art. Regularly seen on the PBS series, Antiques Roadshow, Skinner is one of the nation’s leading auction houses. Skinner conducts auctions year-round and has received world-record prices for many pieces sold at auction. Departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographica, and Discovery. For more information on upcoming auctions, visit Skinner’s web site www.skinnerinc.com.