Northwest Coast Mask Hammers At $230,000 At Skinner's American Indian Auction
Skinner’s September 2005 auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art was a tremendous success, establishing several new world records. The undisputed highlight of the sale was lot 223, a Northwest Coast Painted Wood Mask, an early Tsimshian example that came from an early private collection. The mask was over 200 years old and was once worn by Warrior Chief Gum-i-gum, meaning “Brave Man.” Estimated $40,000-$60,000, the mask witnessed a flurry of bidding from both the floor and phones, and finally sold to a bidder in the room for an incredible $230,000. Other sale highlights included another Northwest Coast Polychrome Carved Wood Mask, which hammered at $80,000, and a Rare Will Soule Photograph Album containing 41 photographs of Southwestern people that brought $60,000. Skinner’s next auction of American Indian and Ethnographic Art will be held on May 13, 2006. To consign property for this auction, please contact department director Doug Deihl at 978.779.6241 or via email at americanindian@skinnerinc.com.
