Strong Prices at Skinner Auction Of American Indian & Ethnographic Art

Bolton, MA - September 20, 2001 – Skinner, Inc., a leading full-service auctioneer and appraiser of antiques and fine art, held an auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art on September 15, 2001. The sale realized very strong prices, led by a rare 19th century Northern California skirt and apron that realized $36,800. "The skirt and apron were magnificent," said Douglas Deihl, director of Skinner’s department of American Indian and Ethnographic Art. "Only about a dozen are known to exist."

Highlights also included three superb 19th century New Mexican retablos, all acquired in Santa Fe c. 1905, and descended in a New England family. The first, which sold for $12,650, was attributed to Molleno, and was accompanied by an original "Gold’s Old Curiosity Shop" business card. The second and the third retablo, each bearing the inscription on the reverse, "Juan Olivas, Santa Fe N.M." realized $16,100 and $18,400 respectively.

Beadwork offerings drew intense and competitive bidding. Selections included a Cheyenne beaded hide and tacked cradleboard that garnered $18,400. Other examples included a Crow beaded and quilled hide pouch, made c. 1870s, and collected on the Crow Reservation in the late 1880s. The piece, bearing its original tag that read, "Sioux Indian Man’s Ornament used by dancers Crow Agency Montana 1889," sold for $14,950. A pair of late 19th century Lakota fully beaded hide moccasins, a pair of Arapaho woman’s beaded high-top moccasins, c. 1880s, and a Woodlands beaded cloth pouch sold for $9,775 each.

Additional highlights included a Navajo Late Classic child’s wearing blanket that ultimately sold well beyond expectations for $16,100, following keen rivalry among five telephone bidders. "It was a beautiful example of a Late Classic weaving, with wonderful color," said Deihl. A late 19th century Acoma polychrome pottery olla sold for $8,625; and twenty-three dinner plates, each signed "Marie + Julian," for Marie and Julian Martinez, sold together for an impressive $12,650.

Prices realized at the auction are available at www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner’s next auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art will be held May 11, 2002. For more information, call 978-779-6241, or fax 978-779-5144.

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