Historic Ishi Glass Point

Description:

Historic Ishi Glass Point, made c. 1911-14, named for the last "wild" Indian in North America, the lot includes a casting of the point in resin made to look like obsidian, a large original photograph of Ishi taken when he was "captured," and complete documents and provenance related to the Ishi point, lg. of point 2 13/16, photograph 17 x 11 3/4 in.

Provenance: Ex collection Charles Shewey and University of California Museum of Anthropology at Berkeley.

Literature: Illustrated in Story in Stone by D.C. Waldorf and Selected Points and Preforms by Gregory Perino; referenced in Ishi in Two Worlds, by Theodora Kroeber, 1963, chronicling Ishi's entrance into a "civilized" society.

Note: Ishi was the last known survivor of the Yahi Tribe in California when he entered the "white man's world" in 1911. He lived his remaining years at the University of California Museum of Anthropology at Berkeley where he died in 1916. The clear glass point retains traces of the original museum number.
Estimate $7,000-9,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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